Exploring Three Methods for Sampling Oral Microbiota in Older People: A Comparative Study

A variety of methods are described in the literature for sampling oral microbiota, including their advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study was to assess which method (swab, paper point, and oral fluid collection) for sampling oral microbiota is most favourable for use on a geriatric population. The oral microbiota of geriatric patients who visited the Geriatric Department of the University Medical Center Groningen (The Netherlands), because of memory complaints, were assessed between April 2022 and April 2023. The samples were collected using three methods: swab, paper point, and oral fluid collection. The participants had to have at least one natural tooth. The samples were checked for 11 oral bacteria commonly associated with oral and general diseases. Of the 30 potentially eligible participants, 28 could be enrolled. A 100% bacteria match was achieved by all 3 sampling techniques between 64% of the cases (18/28) and a 91% match between another 25% (7/28). The swab had the highest positivity rate in this population, as it was easy to perform and usable on edentulous individuals, even on those with (severe) disabilities. Overall, the sampling methods showed comparable microbiota in most cases but differed in the complexity of use. The swab seemed to be the most favourable method among the geriatric participants.