The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Initiation and Progression of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are widely prevalent diseases and negatively affecting the quality of life of young and adult population. They are inflammatory conditions result in destruction of the supporting structure of the tooth. Periodontal diseases are associated with phagocytosis and increased oxidative stress which could generate oxidative burst during the process of killing and phagocytosis. Plaque bacteria and their by-products could initiate neutrophils recruitment to the area of bacterial invasion in the periodontal tissues that would result in stimulation of free radical generation. Usually, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phagocytes will be used utilised for killing of the invading pathogens. Prolonged release of ROS and increases matrix metallo-proteinases activity causes bone resorption and degradation of connective tissue surrounding the teeth. In this paper, we review the oxidation and its effect in periodontal tissue destruction which in severe cases would lead to the loss of teeth.