Abstract

Saliva is a biological fluid produced by three major and numerous minor salivary glands. It performs several important functions such as aiding in digestion, wound healing, speech, and protection of soft tissues and teeth. The feeling of oral dryness, known as xerostomia, is subjective, but it can be measured objectively by salivary flow rate analysis. Prolonged xerostomia may lead to multiple oral problems. There is considerable variation in saliva composition and flow rate at different times of the day within the same person; therefore, adhering to a standardized protocol for all research participants is crucial. Saliva has the benefits of being rich in proteins and peptides which bottom-up or top-down proteomic techniques can identify. These proteins might be specific to xerostomia and could assist patients and caregivers in effectively monitoring and managing the condition using a kit for at-home point-of-care use, which, in turn, will help in ensuring a better oral health-related quality of life.

Key words: Biomarker, mouth dryness, salivary glands, salivary flow rate.