Periodontitis is chronic inflammatory conditions of the tissues that surround and support the
teeth and is initiated by inappropriate and excessive immune responses to bacteria in
subgingival dental plaque leading to loss of the integrity of the periodontium, compromised
tooth function, and eventually tooth loss. Traditional clinical measurements such as probing
pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss; plaque index and radiographs
used for periodontal diagnosis are often of limited usefulness as they are indicators of
previous periodontal destruction rather than predict patient susceptibility, disease activity, and
response to treatment. Studies of the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis and analysis of
mediators in saliva have allowed the identification of many potentially useful biomarkers.
Based on the evidence, it can be concluded that several sensitive salivary indicators of
periodontitis are available to detect the presence, severity and response to treatment. Further
studies are warranted to analyze the sensitivity and reliability of these indicators that might
help in developing non-invasive tests that could help in the diagnosis of periodontal disease in
chair-side or as home-test.
Key Words: Biomarkers, diagnosis, periodontal disease, saliva