ADVANCES IN SALIVARY BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF DENTAL CARIES

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic oral diseases worldwide, often undetected until significant enamel and dentin damage occurs. Saliva, as a non-invasive diagnostic medium, contains proteins, enzymes, microbial components, metabolites, and immunological molecules that reflect oral physiological and pathological states. Recent advances in proteomics, metabolomics,genomics, and biosensor technologies have enabled the identification of multiple salivary biomarkers associated with early caries risk and disease progression. This review synthesizes current evidence on microbial, proteomic, immunological, oxidative stress, and biochemical salivary biomarkers for early caries detection. It also discusses technological innovations, limitations, and future perspectives in salivary diagnostics. Although promising, variability in saliva composition and methodological heterogeneity remain challenges. Standardized protocols and large-scale studies are required to integrate salivary biomarkers into routine clinical practice.