Conventional periodontal probing versus salivary biomarkers in diagnosis and evaluation of chronic periodontitis in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition that affects both the oral health and systemic well-being of individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal status are crucial for effective management of the disease. This narrative review aimed to compare the diagnostic and evaluative capabilities of conventional periodontal probing and salivary biomarkers in chronic periodontitis among individuals with T2DM. The available literature highlights the clinical utility of conventional periodontal probing as the gold standard for periodontal diagnosis and evaluation. It enables the assessment of clinical parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing, providing valuable information about the severity and extent of periodontal disease. However, this approach has limitations, including its invasive nature, potential for examiner bias, and limited ability to detect early stages of periodontitis. In recent years, salivary biomarkers have emerged as promising diagnostic tools for periodontal diseases. Various biomarkers, such as inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and host-derived enzymes, have shown potential in differentiating periodontal health from disease and assessing disease activity. Salivary biomarker analysis offers advantages such as non-invasiveness, ease of collection, and the potential for chair-side testing. However, standardization of collection protocols, biomarker panels, and interpretation criteria remain a challenge. This narrative review provides an overview of the strengths and limitations of conventional periodontal probing and salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and evaluation of chronic periodontitis in individuals with T2DM. Both approaches have their unique advantages and contribute valuable information in clinical practice. Combining conventional periodontal probing with salivary biomarker analysis holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and precision of periodontal disease diagnosis and monitoring in individuals with T2DM.