Publication Details
Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a prevalent chronic disease affecting pediatric populations worldwide. Traditional visual-tactile diagnostic criteria often detect enamel lesions only after structural destruction has occurred, limiting the scope for non-invasive biological intervention. The paradigm shift toward predictive, personalized, and preventive dentistry necessitates the integration of early diagnostic biomarkers and automated digital risk-assessment tools. This review synthesizes current evidence on salivary physicochemical parameters (flow rate, buffering capacity, pH, and electrolyte composition), biochemical and immunological biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases, secretory IgA, total antioxidant capacity), and their synergy with digital risk-stratification software. Furthermore, the role of advanced optical diagnostic technologies, such as laser fluorescence and quantitative light-induced fluorescence, is evaluated. Combining salivary biomarker profiling with automated digital scoring matrices enhances diagnostic precision, eliminates subjective clinician bias, and enables the timely deployment of biomimetic remineralization therapies.