Sensors for in situ monitoring of oral and dental health parameters in saliva

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The oral cavity is an easily accessible unique environment and open system which is influenced by the oral fluids, microbiota, and nutrition. Little is known about the kinetics and dynamics of metabolic processes at the intraoral surfaces. Real-time monitoring of salivary biomarkers, e.g., glucose, lactate, fluoride, calcium, phosphate, and pH with intraoral sensors is therefore of major interest. The aim of this review is to overview the existing literature for intraoral saliva sensors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to review the most relevant studies on intraoral saliva sensor technology.

RESULTS: There is limited literature about the in situ saliva monitoring of salivary biomarkers. Bioadhesion and biofouling processes at the intraoral surfaces limit the performances of the sensors. Real-time, long-term, and continuous intraoral measurement of salivary metabolites remains challenging and needs further investigation as only few well-functioning sensors have been developed until today. Until now, there is no sensor that measures reliably beyond hours for any analyte other than glucose.

CONCLUSIONS: Saliva's complex and dynamic structure as well as bioadhesion are key challenges and should be addressed in the future developments. Consequently, more studies that focus particularly on biofouling processes and interferential effects of the salivary matrix components on sensor surfaces are required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By monitoring fluids in the oral cavity, as the entrance to the digestive system, extensive information can be obtained regarding the effects of foods and preventive agents on the oral microbiota and the tooth surfaces. This may lead to a better understanding of strategies to modulate oral and general health.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5719-5736
Number of pages18
JournalClinical oral investigations
Volume27
Issue number10
Early online date12 Sept 2023
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85171156373
Mendeley 06467150-5107-3c0e-8b61-3810b516a616
ORCID /0000-0002-9230-1147/work/143075166
ORCID /0000-0002-9899-1409/work/143075182

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Intraoral, Real-time monitoring, Saliva, Sensors