Accuracy of Molecular Biomarkers in Oral Fluids for Diagnosis of Periodontitis

Abstract

The diagnosis of periodontitis is a critical element in the success of treatment. Traditional clinical measures have well-known limitations, requiring faster and more specific tools based on quantifiable biomarkers in oral fluids. Interleukins 1alpha, 1beta and 17A in the gingival crevicular fluid are outstanding biomarkers for distinguishing systemically healthy patients with periodontitis from periodontally healthy individuals. Salivary interleukin 1beta has an excellent diagnostic capability when it comes to distinguishing periodontitis from periodontal health, although this discriminatory potential is reduced in smokers. The diagnostic capability of salivary IL1beta remains acceptable for differentiating between untreated and treated periodontitis, especially in smokers. The diagnostic threshold values of these interleukins are lower in smokers than in non-smokers in different clinical settings.