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Category: Project

Description: Human saliva is a biofluid produced and secreted by the major and minor salivary glands. The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, responsible for more than 90% of salivary secretions, and the minor glands are distributed throughout the oral mucosa surfaces. Saliva plays an essential role in oral cavity maintenance and functionality, and it represents a mirror reflecting both oral and systemic health. Salivary secretions are composed of water, electrolytes, and several biomolecules, including proteins, enzymes, exosomes, nuclear acids, hormones, and cellular components. Many studies have demonstrated that the composition of saliva varies depending on the type of stimulation, the short-term acute mental stress, the taste and smell, and the daily and seasonal circadian rhythms. Hence, recurrent circadian fasting during Ramadan (i.e.; Ramadan intermittent fasting) may modify the salivary parameters. The aim of this systematic review will be to report the impacts of Ramadan intermittent fasting on salivary flow-rate and metabolic parameters.