OVERVIEW

The composition of saliva and of other oral fluids reflects tissue fluid levels of therapeutic, hormonal, immunological or toxicological molecules, as well as the presence of markers for infectious and neoplastic diseases. These fluids provide sources for assessment and monitoring of systemic health and disease states and exposure to environmental, occupational, or abusive substances as well as to agents dispersed by bioterrorists.

Proof-of-principle has been established regarding the use of saliva and other oral fluids to monitor a number of systemic diseases and conditions as well as substance abuse. The analysis of these fluids, therefore, has great diagnostic potential in a variety of clinical situations. Oral fluid based diagnostics may, in many instances, prove more accurate and less expensive than current methodologies. Moreover, they are non-invasive.

Although oral fluids, particularly saliva, have been used for the diagnosis of some diseases, progress has not met expectations. This research is supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (RFA-DE-02-2002) and aims to further explore the possibilities for maximizing the utility of saliva as a diagnostic medium through a variety of sub-projects.

We invite you to learn more about us and this revolutionary research.