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Relationships Between Salivary Biomarkers and Oral Function in Elderly People Using a Saliva Testing Device
Toshiro Yamamoto1, Keiichi Ishizaki1, Yukina Muraoka1
1Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
Dentistry Journal
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Saliva biomarkers can help screen for oral functional decline in the elderly. Testing these biomarkers is linked to poor oral hygiene, dryness, reduced chewing, and impaired tongue movement, aiding early detection.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Oral functional decline is linked to poor oral health and systemic health issues.
- Saliva is vital for maintaining oral function.
- This study explores the connection between oral functional decline indicators and salivary biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between conditions associated with oral functional decline and salivary biomarkers.
- To assess the utility of salivary biomarker testing as a screening tool for oral functional decline.
Main Methods:
- Elderly participants underwent oral function assessments (hygiene, dryness, occlusal force, masticatory performance, tongue-lip motor function, swallowing).
- Salivary biomarkers (bacteria, acidity, buffering capacity, leukocytes, protein, ammonia) were analyzed using the SillHa system.
- Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between salivary biomarkers and poor oral hygiene, oral dryness, decreased occlusal force, impaired tongue-lip motor function, and decreased masticatory function.
- Specific biomarkers linked to poor hygiene (bacteria), dryness (flow rate, acidity, buffering capacity), reduced occlusal force (teeth count, bacteria, acidity, leukocytes, protein), impaired tongue-lip function (leukocytes), and reduced masticatory function (performance, bacteria, leukocytes, protein).
Conclusions:
- Salivary biomarker testing shows potential as a simple, practical screening tool for identifying oral functional decline in the elderly.
- This method may enhance oral function assessments and facilitate early intervention.
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