Along with finding cavities, dentists could someday test for cancer and other diseases just by examining a patient's saliva.
UCLA scientists say the technology is several years away, but say they have found proteins in saliva that accurately predict oral cancer.
Experts say, the protein levels in saliva could also someday help diagnose breast cancer.
Experts say the saliva test would not replace regular mammogram screening, but could help detect cancer at an early stage.
Cancer Cells in Saliva