Digital Oral Health Biomarkers - A Public Health Use A Rapid Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: To Review currently available digital devices for early detection of oral diseases (dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer) and evaluate their potential dental public health applications Methods: A literature search across seven databases, grey literature, and a hand search was performed (February 2024- April 2024) to investigate the recent developments in digital tools for early detection of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer by non-dental care professionals. The search utilized keywords such as biomarkers, digital, diagnosis, saliva, caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer. Results: The synthesis of findings revealed five studies on dental caries, seven on periodontal diseases, and five on oral cancer. Home-based kits in development showed promising initial results and acceptable clinical utility in detecting various oral diseases. Among these, the most notable tests included a wearable fluorescent mouthguard for dental caries, a light-induced fluorescence device for periodontal diseases, and a paper-based fluorescent sensor for oral cancer. The wearable mouthguard demonstrated high sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing early caries, making it suitable for public use in areas with limited access to dental care. The light-induced fluorescence device connects to a mobile app and provides a practical tool for continuous plaque detection and monitoring, promoting better oral hygiene. The paper-based fluorescent sensor offers rapid screening for oral squamous cell carcinoma, showing high sensitivity and specificity for home use. Despite the absence of rigorous clinical trials, the overall quality of evidence was cautiously appraised as primarily high, with seven articles rated high, four rated moderate to high, and four rated moderate. Conclusion: While biomarkers represent a significant advancement in diagnosing and preventing oral diseases, and the findings highlight the potential of digital diagnostic tools to enhance the early detection and management of oral diseases, further studies are required to facilitate their implementation for general public use.