Salivary Biomarkers for Early Detection of Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review.

AIM: This review aims to investigate the main observed and detected salivary biomarkers, such as cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and antioxidant enzymes, among patients with periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of periodontal diseases worldwide has increased nowadays; the early detection of these diseases' incidence and occurrence via laboratory testing is now promising.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 1,051 studies were collected from different search engines such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed.

RESULTS

About 18 studies were selected for further analysis according to the obtained eligibility criteria. Cytokines, oxidative stress mediators, nucleic acids, and MMPs each provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms. However, integrated biomarker panels outperform individual markers, reflecting the multifactorial etiology of periodontal diseases. While challenges remain in standardization and validation, collective evidence strongly supports saliva-based biomarkers as a cornerstone of future precision dentistry.

CONCLUSION

This review consolidates evidence from 18 studies, underscoring the diagnostic promise of salivary and serum biomarkers in periodontal diseases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This review sheds light on the main observed and detected biomarkers in different types found in saliva. As well, it can predict the most abundant types and how to test, measure, and control. How to cite this article: Yaghmoor WE. Salivary Biomarkers for Early Detection of Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(11):1115-1124.