Saswati Sarmah

Despite advances in research methodology and laboratory assays in order to identify factors associated with chronic periodontal disease, it is still unclear how to potentially predict periodontal disease progression. Saliva, a secretion of the salivary and mucous glands, is of major importance in the maintenance of oral health. The fluid is readily accessible via a totally no invasive collection method, and contains locally produced microbial and host response mediators. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a serum exudate found in the gingival sulcus. As the fluid traverses from the microcirculation across inflamed periodontal tissues, it carries biological molecular markers gathered from the surrounding site. Extensive research has been done in the area of the host response biochemical markers of periodontal disease. It is unlikely that a stand alone biomarker will be able to fulfil the criteria of predicting future disease destruction.This book highlights recent advances in the development of salivary proteomic, genomic and microbial biomarkers for periodontal diagnosis & reviews the utility of saliva and GCF biomarkers as a potential predictor of periodontal disease progression.