SALIVARY BIOMARKERS IN ORAL HEALTH AND DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
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Keywords
saliva; biomarkers; oral diseases; oxidative stress; biosensors; precision dentistry; diagnostics.
Abstract
Background:Saliva has emerged as a promising non-invasive biofluid for disease detection, reflecting both oral and systemic health conditions. Advances in proteomics, genomics, and biosensor technologies have enabled the identification and quantification of diverse salivary biomarkers with potential diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring value. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence regarding laboratory techniques, key biomarkers, and clinical applications of salivary diagnostics in oral and systemic diseases. Methods:A systematic search and critical appraisal were performed using published peer-reviewed studies from 2002 to 2024. Ten high-quality articles—including narrative reviews, scoping reviews, and observational studies—were analyzed. Extracted data covered study design, analytical platforms, biomarker types, and disease associations. Results: Saliva analysis was shown to effectively detect biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. The most frequently employed analytical methods included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), mass spectrometry, quantitative PCR, and biosensor-based detection. Core biomarkers such as interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, cortisol, and oxidative stress markers (FRAP, TEAC, CUPRAC, AOPP) were consistently linked to oral diseases including periodontitis, oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, and peri-implantitis. Moreover, saliva reflected systemic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. A marked rise in publications over the last decade highlights rapid progress toward clinical translation and chairside applications. Conclusion: Salivary diagnostics represent a pivotal advancement in precision and preventive dentistry. The integration of multi-omics, biosensor technology, and standardized analytical workflows positions saliva as a reliable diagnostic alternative to blood. Future research should focus on establishing validated biomarker panels, harmonizing collection and analysis protocols, and conducting large-scale multicenter trials to confirm clinical utility.
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