Table 1 Salivary parameters [21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33]

1. Salivary pH

Measure Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Eutech pH meter, PC 2700 with ion sensitive probes (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA)

Maintenance of balance in salivary pH (either alkaline or acidic) helps in balancing essential minerals, electrolytes, and enzymes that function to strengthen mineralized tooth structures and provide anti-inflammatory and immune function against plaque and microbial build-up. chiefly aiding in the digestive process

2. Salivary Cortisol

Measures the amount of free cortisol in saliva

Human Cortisol Elisa Kit (Bioassay Technology Laboratory, Shanghai, China)

Indicator of stress and an indirect measure of the quality of life of patients. Cortisol is a reliable indicator of stress, which is shown both in serum and saliva. Salivary cortisol is an accurate reflection of the cortisol in the blood and has proven to be reliable and valid. Few authors suggest salivary cortisol levels are more reliable as they measure unbound cortisol when compared to serum cortisol. Salivary cortisol levels may be influenced by many systemic and pathological factors. It is observed that salivary cortisol levels may vary based on the circadian rhythm. The baseline levels of the HPA axis show a well documented diurnal rhythm for cortisol secretion among individuals; it peaks within 60 min after waking and shows a gradual decline after reaching a nadir by around midnight

3. Salivary Antioxidant Capacity

Measures the antioxidant status of and evaluates the antioxidant response against the free radicals

FRAP assay using the ISA (Bioassay Technology Laboratory) kit

Measures the oxidative stress in the aging process and helps to assess the antioxidant defense status

4. Salivary Total Protein

Measures the quantity of total proteins produced in saliva

The BCA (bicinchoninic acid) assay was done using the colorimetric method (Elabscience kit, USA)

Salivary Total protein is a non-specific measure of the total amount of all proteins present in saliva; analytes may vary based on the physiological or diseased state and can vary in response to altered salivary flow. helps to assess the qualitative nature of saliva

5. Salivary

Microbial Carriage

Assess the bacterial colonies present

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus colonies count at a critical concentration of 105 CFU/mL

Salivary microbiota reflect the oral health and systemic health of the individual

6. Viscosity of Saliva

To assess the viscosity of saliva

analyzes it using Ostwald’s viscometer

Salivary viscosity relates to the salivary glycoprotein content contributing to the viscoelastic properties such as lubrication and humidification; aiding in mucosal integrity