Saliva – A Potential Diagnostic Tool

Abstract

Saliva an important physiologic fluid, containing a highly complex mixture of substances is rapidly gaining popularity as a diagnostic tool. Saliva in the mouth forms a thin film, the velocity of which varies greatly at different sites and thus protects against dental caries, erosion, attrition, abrasion, periodontal diseases, candidiasis and the abrasive mucosal lesions. Early diagnosis and management of oral diseases reduces the severity and possible complications of the disease process. The use of saliva has provided a substantial addition to the diagnostic armamentarium as an investigative tool for disease processes and disorders. Its advantages as a diagnostic tool include its ease of procurement and the positive correlation between many parameters in the serum.