Salivary microbiota and polyamines contribute to gingivitis, study finds

A new study published in the journal of BMC Oral Health highlighted the role of salivary microbiota and polyamines in gingivitis and various stages of periodontitis. A progressive increase in Streptococcus levels from gingivitis to periodontitis, along with polyamine concentrations, may serve as a potential marker for assessing periodontal disease severity.

An important factor in advancing human health and wellbeing is the bacteriome found in the mouth cavity. Plaque buildup on teeth causes gingivitis, an inflammation of the gingival tissue that frequently results in periodontitis. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, typically does not initially create any serious issues. However, it might injure other areas of the periodontium, which is the soft tissue and bone that hold our teeth firmly in place.

It is not well known how periodontitis progresses to cause clinical attachment loss, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Thus, to investigate the changes in microbiota, oxidative stress, and polyamine levels during the course of the disease, which can aid in the development of successful treatment strategies, the current investigation was carried out.

After obtaining informed consent, saliva samples were taken from 72 people who either had stage-specific periodontitis, gingivitis, or were in good health. Radiographic and clinical investigations verified the stage of periodontitis. Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Nanopore PromethIONsystem platform, a total of 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbiota.

A fluorescence spectrophotometer was used to measure the amounts of polyamines. The ELISA technique was used to assess the quantity of ornithine decarboxylase. DPPH, SOD, and catalase tests were used to assess the salivary samples' antioxidant levels. The acid phosphatase test was used to quantify autophagy.

The study found notable variations in the variety and quantity of the salivary microbiome between healthy people and those suffering from chronic periodontitis and gingivitis. In gingivitis and different phases of periodontitis, there was a notable rise in polyamines and ornithine decarboxylase. Cell death may have been the outcome of the elevated oxidative stress seen in periodontitis and gingivitis.

Overall, these findings emphasize the role salivary bacteria and polyamines play in gingivitis and different phases of periodontitis. When combined with polyamine concentrations, the steady increase in Streptococcus levels from gingivitis to periodontitis may be a useful identification marker for determining the severity of periodontal disease.

Reference:

Rashid, M. H., Kumar, S. P., Rajan, R., & Mamillapalli, A. (2025). Salivary microbiota dysbiosis and elevated polyamine levels contribute to the severity of periodontal disease. BMC Oral Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-05381-5