Salivary diagnostics 1 article

Salivary diagnostics use saliva or oral fluid as a sample for measuring biological, chemical or microbiological information. Dental applications can include salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, microbial measures and research assays for proteins, nucleic acids or other biomarkers. Collection method, timing and handling can substantially affect results, so findings require interpretation in context. This field extends well beyond xerostomia testing, while individual salivary biomarkers still require appropriate validation before routine diagnostic use.