Salivary Biomarkers of Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

Chronic periodontitis is a slow progressing disease of oral tissue that causes inflammation and bleeding of gingiva. If it is untreated, it leads to periodontal pockets, loosening of teeth and ultimate tooth loss. Saliva is a hypertonic fluid present in the oral cavity that is now used as a diagnostic tool. Saliva contains water, organic and inorganic molecules that can act as biomarkers for systemic and oral diseases. Presence of these biomarkers in saliva can help in the early detection of chronic periodontitis disease for therapeutic purpose. This review summarizes the salivary biomarkers that can help in early detection and diagnosis of chronic periodontitis disease.