Understanding Lab Tests for Periodontitis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. While periodontitis is primarily diagnosed through clinical dental examination and imaging, blood tests play a valuable supporting role in assessing the inflammatory response associated with this condition.
Recommended Test
Interleukin-1 Beta
This test measures Interleukin-1 Beta, a key inflammatory marker that becomes elevated in response to periodontal infection. High levels of this biomarker are associated with the inflammatory processes that contribute to the destruction of periodontal tissues in periodontitis, making it valuable for assessing the severity of the inflammatory response.
2907 reviews
The Role of Blood Testing in Periodontitis
There isn't a single blood test to diagnose periodontitis itself, as the condition is best identified through dental examination and periodontal probing. However, blood testing is fundamental for measuring inflammatory markers that reflect the body's immune response to the bacterial infection causing periodontal tissue destruction.
Understanding Your Results
Elevated Interleukin-1 Beta levels may indicate active inflammation in the body, which can be associated with periodontal disease progression. This information can help healthcare providers understand the extent of the inflammatory response and guide treatment decisions alongside clinical dental findings.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of periodontal conditions.
