Pilot Study on Oral Health Status as Assessed by an Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Chairside Mouthrinse Test in Adolescents

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 is a major destructive collagenase involved in periodontitis and can be regarded as a periodontitis biomarker. A neutrophil collagenase 2 (active MMP-8 [aMMP-8]) oral fluid immunoassay has recently been demonstrated to be a periodontitis risk indicator among adults. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a point-of-care mouthrinse test based on an aMMP-8 immunoassay could identify patients with oral inflammatory burden (periodontitis and caries) among adolescents with early pathologic findings. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Kotka Health Center, Finland. First, the aMMP-8 chairside mouthrinse test was performed on enrolled individuals (adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, n = 47), and the results were read based on a color change within 5 minutes. Then, full-mouth clinical parameters of oral health were assessed, including periodontal, oral mucosal, and caries status. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the test for bleeding on probing were 71.8% and 77.5%, respectively (P = 0.05); for >= 1 site with probing depth (PD) >= 4 mm, 48.3% and 100% (P < 0.001); for >= 2 sites with PD >= 4 mm, 63.6% and 100% (P < 0.001); and for >2 sites with PD >= 4 mm, 76.5% and 96.7% (P < 0.01). Regarding periodontitis (>= 1 site with PD >= 4 mm), hardly any false-positive results were identified. The sensitivity of the immunoassay for >= 1 caries lesions was 76.5%, and the specificity was 96.7% (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In 5 minutes, the aMMP-8 chairside test showed promising results, recognizing oral inflammatory burden in adolescents with early initial signs of periodontitis. Caries lesions could also be detected, but less efficiently.