Evaluating the Role of Salivary Oxidative Stress Marker Malondialdehyde in Dental Caries

Evaluating the Role of Salivary Oxidative Stress Marker Malondialdehyde in Dental Caries

Dental caries, one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, results from the interplay between oral microbiota, host factors, and dietary habits. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage. Saliva, a crucial component of the oral ecosystem, contains biomarkers that reflect oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation byproduct.

MDA serves as a reliable indicator of oxidative stress and has been extensively studied in various systemic and oral diseases. In the context of dental caries, elevated salivary MDA levels have been associated with increased ROS activity induced by bacterial metabolism. Cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans contribute to the generation of ROS during their metabolic processes, further exacerbating oxidative damage to oral tissues.

Research has demonstrated that individuals with active dental caries exhibit significantly higher salivary MDA levels compared to caries-free individuals. This suggests a potential role for MDA as a diagnostic biomarker in identifying individuals at higher risk of caries development. Furthermore, salivary MDA levels may provide insights into the severity and progression of dental caries.

Evaluating salivary MDA levels is non-invasive and cost-effective, making it a practical tool for early diagnosis and preventive strategies. Integrating MDA assessment with traditional diagnostic methods could enhance caries risk evaluation and personalized treatment planning.

In conclusion, salivary MDA reflects the oxidative stress status in the oral cavity and its involvement in dental caries. Further studies are warranted to standardize its measurement and establish reference values for clinical use. Understanding the relationship between oxidative stress and caries may pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions targeting oxidative damage, potentially reducing the global burden of this disease.