Sialochemistry in Diseases and Clinical Situations Affecting Salivary Glands

Abstract

During the past few years an increasing number of investigators in a variety of disciplines have become interested in the potential of saliva as a diagnostic tool. The increase in interest reflects (in part at least) the marked proliferation in information on salivary physiology and salivary chemistry. Sialochemistry is being applied to (1) diseases of the salivary glands per se with no evidence of systemic involvement, (2) systemic diseases in which salivary glands are involved, and (3) clinical situations in which salivary flow rate and chemistry are helpful in diagnosis or monitoring patient progress (Tables 1 and 2).