Serum and salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in oral health and disease: A brief review

Abstract

Alkaline phosphatase is an intracellular hydrolase enzyme participating in the metabolic processes of cells. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) occurs in many organisms ranging from bacteria to man. Alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in various disease processes like periodontitis, gingivitis, and bone disorders. The alkaline phosphatase enzyme released in secretions like the serum, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid. The serum and salivary levels were used as a diagnostic aid in oral diseases. The below was a brief review of the alkaline phosphatase levels both in serum and saliva.