Unraveling the Connection Between Stress-induced Oral Diseases and Salivary Alpha-amylase Levels: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between stress-induced oral diseases and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, with a focus on the role of sAA as a biomarker for stress. Recent Findings: A systematic review of 8 case–control studies found that while sAA levels were higher in the case group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. However, a subgroup analysis for burning mouth syndrome (BMS) revealed a significant difference in sAA levels between the case and control groups. Additionally, anxiety levels were found to be significantly higher in the case group. These findings suggest that while stress may contribute to increased sAA levels, the relationship may be more pronounced in specific oral diseases such as BMS. The study was carried out based on PRISMA protocol guidelines. Summary: In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between increased salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels and stress-induced oral diseases, specifically burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The results suggest that sAA may be a useful biomarker for assessing stress levels in individuals with BMS. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between stress and oral diseases beyond BMS. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.