Saliva and Oral Health in Athletes: A Scoping Review
Keywords:
Saliva, Oral health, Athletes, Salivary biomarkers, Physical exerciseAbstract
Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall health and athletic performance; however, it is frequently overlooked in sports science. Saliva plays a fundamental role in maintaining oral homeostasis through its buffering capacity, antimicrobial properties, and contribution to remineralization processes. Despite the growing body of research on salivary biomarkers, current evidence remains fragmented and lacks integration. Methods: This scoping review followed the PCC framework, with literature searches conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest using Boolean strategies. The review was guided by PRISMA-ScR reporting standards and JBI methodological guidelines. Results: A literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest identified 2,777 records published within the last 10 years. Following screening, duplicate removal, and eligibility assessment, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for final data extraction and synthesis. Discussion: The included studies indicate that physical activity modulates a broad spectrum of salivary biomarkers, encompassing pH, cortisol, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), microbial composition, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which collectively reflect oral health integrity, immune regulation, oxidative balance, and physiological adaptation in athletic populations. Conclusion: This review is limited by the predominance of observational studies, methodological heterogeneity, and inadequate control of confounding factors such as diet, hydration, and oral hygiene. Future research should prioritize standardized, longitudinal, and experimental approaches to clarify causal relationships and optimize modifiable factors influencing exercise-related salivary changes.
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