La saliva, fluido vital
- Martín Carreras-Presas, Carmen
- Somacarrera Pérez, Mª Luisa
- Díaz Rodríguez, Milagros
ISSN: 1135-2949
Year of publication: 2013
Issue: 247
Pages: 130-134
Type: Article
More publications in: Gaceta dental: Industria y profesiones
Abstract
Saliva is a very important fluid for the maintenance of oral homeostasis, consisting of 99% water, containing a variety of electrolytes, and proteins, immunoglobulins. Taking into account its properties and characteristics, it could be used as a diagnostic fluid, due to the fact that there are plasma components also found in saliva. Saliva is critical for preserving and maintaining the health of oral tissues and has been used as a source of non-invasive investigation of metabolism and the elimination of many drugs. Diagnostic application of saliva should be considered in the future an advance not only in the diagnosis and control of some of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide, but also in monitoring illegal and legal drugs.