Saliva biotechnology as a diagnostic tool for periodontal diseases: new challenges for clinical practice

Abstract

The periodontal apparatus has an essential function for the entire stomatognathic system, especially in dental support and in protecting the biofilm from periodontal pathogenic bacteria. Specifically, interactions with the immune system and the surrounding oral environment make it key in the mechanism of aetiology of periodontitis. In the oral cavity, saliva and crevicular fluid have significant functions including oral hygiene and protection of the oral cavity with specific antibacterial effects, on digestion and as a source of early diagnosis of oral diseases. This editorial aims to analyze current knowledge and new challenges on the benefits of saliva as a diagnostic fluid for the early diagnosis of periodontal disease.