[Diagnostic value of saliva]

Sialometry and sialochemistry can be valuable tests in clinical circumstances. The application in the dental office, however, is limited. There is good sensitivity in differentiation from normal function. The specificity may be regarded as low related to classical nosology, because many diseases have a number of fundamental processes in common. Comparison of values from the right to the left side is reliable. The tests are valuable tools in monitoring in particular during and after irradiation. The laboratory evaluation of the glandular function requires simultaneous blood-chemistry. This noninvasive technique of investigation is indicated in salivary disorders as well as in pathology of the oral mucosa and the periodontium. Both sialometry and sialochemistry are a must in complaints of xerostomia, sialorrhea and the burning mouth syndrome. It is of special interest with respect to circulatory disorders of the glands and the use of medicaments. A special salt retaining disorder of the glands, the non-sal-saliva syndrome is described.