Aim: Tools for the diagnosis and evaluation of the severity and prognosis of periodontitis are currently insufficient. The aim of the current study was to find an array of salivary biomarkers that would be both sensitive and specific enough to be used as a complement to regular clinical examination. Furthermore, we investigated salivary markers of successful periodontal treatment to elucidate the underlying mechanism of disease.
Patients & methods: Saliva was collected from periodontitis patients during illness and following successful disease termination. Parameters measured included sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, total protein, Alb, LDH, amylase, IL-1α, uric acid and carbonyls.
Results: Seven of the parameters analyzed were significantly altered when the disease is active and may be considered biomarkers.
Conclusion: Salivary composition reflects disease severity and response to therapy, suggesting the efficacy of saliva monitoring for periodontal disease status and care.