Absolute quantification by mouthwash testing screens severe periodontitis and tracks species-specific microbial response to periodontal therapy.

A mouthwash-based molecular test quantifying five periodontal bacteria accurately screened for severe periodontitis and tracked individual species-level bacterial reductions following therapy, with some pathogens like *P. gingivalis* persisting at elevated levels despite treatment.

A plain-English summary of the study's own findings — we don't add our own claims or interpretation. Read the full paper for the complete methods and results, and apply your own clinical judgement.