The benzoyl-DL arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) test and polymerase chain reaction measurement of pathogenic bacteria can assess the severity of periodontal disease.

The benzoyl-DL arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) test for detecting digesting peptidase and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) measurement of pathogenic bacteria were performed in 15 patients with periodontal disease. The number of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus and Treponema denticola, which are the most potent accelerators of alveolar bone resorption, were determined. Attachment loss and the BANA test showed significant close correlations with the number of pathogenic bacteria as well as with the tooth mobility and pocket depth. In conclusion, the BANA test and PCR measurement of bacteria are useful methods for detecting pathogenic bacteria that promote alveolar tissue destruction.