Intraoral Biomarkers: Unlocking the Future of Oral Health Diagnostics - A Narrative Review

Authors: Albi Infanta Thayanantham, Divya VC, Ganesh Chakkarai, Shanthi Mathialagan

DOI: 10.18231/j.johs.12669.1760075232

Keywords: Saliva, Diagnostics, Biomarkers, Oral health

Abstract: Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, with the oral microbiome playing a significant role in preventing diseases. Biomarkers, measurable indicators of biological or pathogenic processes, have become essential tools in modern diagnostics. Saliva, a readily accessible and non-invasive fluid rich in proteins, DNA, RNA, and microorganisms, has emerged as a promising medium for detecting oral and systemic diseases—a field known as salivaomics. Salivary biomarkers can effectively indicate dental caries, oral cancers, periodontal diseases, and systemic conditions such as stress and viral infections. Proteins like histatin and proline-rich proteins correlate with dental caries, while markers such as tissue polypeptide antigen and microRNAs assist in early cancer detection. Saliva also enables monitoring of systemic immunity and stress-related hormones, offering advantages over blood testing in cost, safety, and ease of collection. Intraoral biosensors, devices converting biological reactions into electrical signals, are advancing diagnostic capabilities, though their commercialization remains limited in regions like India. Continued innovations in molecular techniques and biosensor technology hold promise for enhancing early diagnosis and health surveillance, reinforcing saliva’s potential as a versatile diagnostic fluid in dental and systemic medicine.