Screening method for periodontal disease

摘要

A method of screening for the presence of a periodontal disease condition is disclosed. The method involves obtaining an oral fluid sample from a human subject being tested, and determining the level of native free pyridinium crosslinks (free pyridinoline and/or free deoxypyridinoline) from the subject. An above-normal level of crosslinks, when compared with a predetermined level characteristic of normal subjects, is an indication of the presence of a periodontal disease condition.