New research on Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) in saliva has demonstrated its central role in the development of periodontal disease - and its potential impact on oral systemic health.1

The research by international oral healthcare company, Sunstar, initially looked at the relationship between oral bacterial species in saliva and the progression of periodontal diseases in 611 Sunstar employees aged between 20 and 75 years old. Saliva samples were divided into four quartiles based on the percentage of Fn present. Analysis of the number of oral bacterial species contained in each quartile identified that a higher percentage of Fn in saliva increased the number and affected the diversity of bacteria in the mouth.

The percentage of Fn in saliva interacted proportionally with the percentage of 28 species of oral bacteria, like red complex bacteria, but also with a new species of periodontal bacteria - Filifactor alocis - as well as Fretibacterium ssp. Earlier research to explore the relationship between oral bacteria in saliva and the condition of periodontal tissues by Sunstar already demonstrated that an increase in the percentage of Fn present in saliva impacts the level of periodontal disease.

With Fn already known for playing a central role in the formation of dental plaque which causes periodontal disease, these new findings suggest that the control of Fn is key to controlling a wide range of periodontal pathogens, including red complex bacteria, and is a very important bacteria to target in the prevention of periodontal disease.

With Fn also reported to be associated not just with periodontal disease but also other diseases and frequently detected in the intestines of colorectal cancer patients,2 Sunstar's scientists believe that controlling Fn in the mouth is an important factor in the effective prevention of periodontal diseases, and for systemic health as well. The company is now continuing its research efforts.