Bacteria determination

A germ test is a painless test to determine bacteria that can be carried out as part of periodontal treatment. It determines which types of bacteria colonise the gum pockets. The test even identifies the pathogens in the early stages of the disease. The laboratory then makes a recommendation for individual targeted therapy.

For the germ test, samples are taken from certain suspicious gum pockets using a paper tip and analysed by a laboratory. Most of the bacteria found are harmless; even certain pathogens that secrete metabolic toxins do not pose a threat to a well-functioning immune system. However, there are also aggressive germs that can lead to periodontitis. These are also detected during bacterial identification and can then be treated.