Saliva and Its Biomarkers

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining the equilibrium of the oral ecosystem. It is often referred to as the "mirror of the body" as it is indicator of health not just in the oral cavity but also throughout the body. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral cavity and tooth health by its unique antibacterial, antifungal, lubricating, pH maintenance, aggregation, clearance and maintaining integrity of mucous membrane. It is a clinically informative clear complex mixture of various electrolytes, organic substances, proteins, peptides and polynucleotides. Thus understanding and evaluating salivary biomarker is useful in determining the presence, location and the likelihood of disease. The multi-components of saliva open the door to research of systemic diseases and monitoring general health. The identification of salivary biomarkers of dental caries is important for identification of individuals with risk to develop caries and institute a preventive treatment. Collection of saliva is undemanding and noninvasive. It is cheaper to store and transport.

Autorentext

Dr. Geethu Jose has completed Bachelors of Dental Surgery from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, Kerala. She is pursuing Masters in Pediatric Dentistry from A. B. Shetty Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka.