Salivary forensics: Investigating the role of saliva

Saliva is emerging as a crucial biological fluid in forensic science due to its abundant DNA and biological markers. This review delves into the diverse applications of saliva in forensic investigations, emphasizing its role in criminal identification, paternity testing and disease diagnosis. The research underscores a critical need for forensic laboratories to develop reliable and repeatable automated procedures for saliva analysis, similar to established protocols for blood and urine. By establishing saliva as a primary investigative tool in the absence of other bodily fluids, forensic odontology can significantly enhance its diagnostic and investigative capabilities. The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively examine and highlight the multifaceted applications of saliva in forensic scientific methodologies, demonstrating its potential as a versatile and valuable biological specimen.