Keywords
oral fluid
children and adolescents
dental caries
periodontal diseases
malocclusion
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. Salivary diagnostics allows monitoring changes in local and systemic homeostasis over time. The method holds a firm position among other diagnostic procedures owing to the simplicity and convenience of oral fluid collection and its non-invasive nature for the patient, which is particularly relevant for pediatric dentistry.
Aim. To analyze and summarize current scientific concepts regarding the diagnostic and prognostic potential of oral fluid biomarkers in various dental disorders in children and adolescents.
Materials and Methods. A narrative literature review was conducted based on a search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and the repository of Kharkiv National Medical University for 2014–2026. A total of 41 sources on the use of oral fluid for assessing periodontal tissue condition and detecting susceptibility to dental caries and other oral diseases in children and adolescents were analyzed. The review was part of the research project "Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Major Dental Diseases in Children and Adolescents" (2023–2026), state registration No.0123U103116.
Research Ethics. The review included publications whose authors reported compliance with bioethical standards.
Results. Caries resistance is associated with higher levels of sIgA and antimicrobial peptides, whereas the development of dental caries and early childhood caries is associated with an increase in total protein, specific metabolites (acetate, lactate, succinate), oxidative stress markers and specific proteins (mucins, L-lactate dehydrogenase, SMR-3B). Periodontal inflammation and microbial imbalance (particularly Candida albicans colonization) are accompanied by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), MIP-1α and MMP-7. Orthodontic tooth movement is accompanied by changes in electrolyte concentrations, an increase in tissue-degrading enzymes (MMP-8, MMP-9, alkaline phosphatase) and bone remodeling mediators (RANKL, osteoprotegerin), as well as a specific proteomic response (CD19, FAM20C, GNRHR). The development of portable sensor systems and microfluidic devices creates prerequisites for point-of-care diagnostics.
Conclusions. Salivary diagnostics remains an accessible and informative method of dental research. Combining traditional saliva analysis with molecular and biomarker-based approaches expands research horizons and opens up prospects for developing personalized approaches in dentistry, particularly pediatric dentistry.
Keywords: dentistry, oral fluid, children and adolescents, dental caries, periodontal diseases, malocclusion.
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