Abstract
The periodontium is a structurally and functionally complex tissue that facilitates the anchorage of teeth in jaws. The periodontium consists of various cell types including stem cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Cells of the periodontium are constantly exposed to mechanical stresses generated by biological processes such as the chewing motions of teeth, by flows generated by tongue motions and by forces generated by implants. Mechanical stresses modulate the function of cells in the periodontium, and may play a significant role in the development of periodontal disease. Here, we review the literature on the effect of mechanical forces on periodontal cells in health and disease with an emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms.
Highlights
The human periodontium is a structure that supports and anchors teeth to marginal gingiva and to alveolar bone
These cells are exposed to mechanical stresses [2] generated by biological process such as the chewing motions of teeth [3], by flows generated by tongue motions [4] and by orthodontic forces generated by implants [5]
Of all the periodontal cell types, periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) have probably received the most attention in terms of how they respond to mechanical forces
Summary
The human periodontium is a structure that supports and anchors teeth to marginal gingiva and to alveolar bone. The gingiva and periodontal ligaments consist of stem cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells [1] These cells are exposed to mechanical stresses [2] generated by biological process such as the chewing motions of teeth [3], by flows generated by tongue motions [4] and by orthodontic forces generated by implants [5]. Periodontal disease (PD) caused by bacterial infection is a major cause of teeth and alveolar bone loss and is associated with systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease [14]. Bacterial infections trigger inflammatory cascades in PD, cause changes in local cytokine secretion, degrade collagen fibres, alter fibroblast cell structure and result in gingival detachment from the cementum and alveolar bone resorption [13,14,16,17,18].
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