Periodontal/Peri-Implant Inflammation and Systemic Conditions

A special issue of Dentistry Journal (ISSN 2304-6767). This special issue belongs to the section "Oral Hygiene, Periodontology and Peri-implant Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2026 | Viewed by 1708

Special Issue Editors

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: peri-implantitis; biomaterials; antimicrobial surface decontamination, dental implants; biofilm; implant decontamination; antimicrobial mouthwash
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Guest Editor
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: periodontology; periodontal surgery; periodontics and oral pathology; periodontal regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Periodontal and peri-implant inflammation are multifactorial conditions increasingly linked to varied systemic diseases. Strong evidence supports bidirectional relationships between periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, and systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these interactions is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy, risk assessment, and comprehensive patient care.

This Special Issue invites original research, clinical studies, and reviews that explore the biological, clinical, and epidemiological connections between oral inflammation and systemic health. Topics of interest include the impact of diabetes and other systemic disorders on periodontal and peri-implant tissue breakdown, host–microbiome interactions, inflammatory pathways, systemic biomarkers, and the effects of systemic medications on treatment outcomes. Contributions addressing innovative diagnostic tools, personalized prevention strategies, and interdisciplinary management approaches are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Piero Papi
Dr. Lorenzo Marini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • periodontitis
  • peri-implantitis
  • diabetes
  • oral–systemic health
  • microbiome
  • immune response
  • cardiometabolic diseases
  • biomarkers
  • pregnancy
  • inflammation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1509 KB  
Article
Differential Response of Salivary MMP-8 and MMP-9 to Full-Mouth Disinfection: Implications for Biomarker Sensitivity in Periodontal Therapy
by Bogdan-Constantin Vasiliu, Ionuț Tărăboanță, Alexandra Cornelia Teodorescu, Alexandru Lodbă, Gabriel Rotundu, Ecaterina Anisie, Ionut Luchian and Sorina Mihaela Solomon
Dent. J. 2026, 14(5), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14050283 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 159
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-8 and MMP-9) are key mediators of periodontal tissue degradation and have been proposed as salivary biomarkers of disease activity. However, their comparative responsiveness to non-surgical periodontal therapy remains insufficiently clarified. This study aimed to assess short-term changes in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-8 and MMP-9) are key mediators of periodontal tissue degradation and have been proposed as salivary biomarkers of disease activity. However, their comparative responsiveness to non-surgical periodontal therapy remains insufficiently clarified. This study aimed to assess short-term changes in salivary MMP-8 and MMP-9 following full-mouth disinfection (FMD), to evaluate their association with clinical periodontal parameters, and to explore potential differences according to depressive comorbidity. Methods: Eighty patients were included and divided into two groups: 40 patients without depressive disorder (PAR group) and 40 patients with depressive disorder (DEP group). Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth and clinical attachment loss) and salivary levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks following FMD. Salivary MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Significant reductions in probing depth and clinical attachment loss were observed following therapy (p < 0.01). Salivary MMP-9 levels decreased significantly in both groups (PAR: 2.4 to 1.1 ng/mL, p = 0.002; DEP: 2.6 to 1.5 ng/mL, p = 0.004), whereas MMP-8 did not show statistically significant changes (p > 0.05). Moderate positive correlations were identified between MMP-9 and clinical parameters (r = 0.46–0.51), while MMP-8 showed no significant associations. No significant differences in treatment response or biomarker dynamics were observed between groups. Conclusions: The findings indicate a differential salivary biomarker response to periodontal therapy, with MMP-9 showing greater responsiveness than MMP-8 under the conditions of this study. These results suggest a potential role for salivary MMP-9 in reflecting short-term periodontal changes; however, further longitudinal and controlled studies are required to establish its clinical applicability. Depressive comorbidity did not appear to influence short-term outcomes, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of a standardized severity assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal/Peri-Implant Inflammation and Systemic Conditions)
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11 pages, 263 KB  
Article
Interleukin-1 Polymorphisms in Caucasian Adults with Down Syndrome and Advanced Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Marco Montevecchi and Leoluca Valeriani
Dent. J. 2026, 14(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14050246 - 22 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Down syndrome (DS) is characterised by a marked susceptibility to early-onset severe periodontitis, suggesting an intrinsic host predisposition. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene variants may influence inflammatory burden, yet DS-specific evidence is limited. Methods: Nineteen Caucasian adults with DS underwent a comprehensive periodontal examination [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Down syndrome (DS) is characterised by a marked susceptibility to early-onset severe periodontitis, suggesting an intrinsic host predisposition. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene variants may influence inflammatory burden, yet DS-specific evidence is limited. Methods: Nineteen Caucasian adults with DS underwent a comprehensive periodontal examination and received a periodontal diagnosis according to the AAP/EFP 2018 classification. Buccal swabs were genotyped by real-time PCR for IL1A −889, IL1B +3954 and IL1RN +2018; the composite IL1A/B genotype was also evaluated. Results: All participants presented advanced, generalized periodontitis (Stage III/IV: 37%/63%; Grade B/C: 32%/68%). Variant alleles were detected in 63% for IL1A, 53% for IL1B and 37% for IL1RN, and the composite IL-1A/B genotype in 47%. Variant carriage showed associations with higher Clinical Attachment Loss (IL1A p = 0.03; IL1B p = 0.002; composite p = 0.012) and Bleeding on Probing (IL1A p = 0.02; IL1RN p = 0.05; composite p = 0.04). The composite genotype was associated with Stage IV (p = 0.027) and Grade C (p = 0.005), and tooth loss was greater among variant carriers for all polymorphisms (p = 0.01). Conclusions: In this DS cohort with advanced periodontitis, IL-1 variants (particularly the composite IL1A/B genotype) were frequently observed and were associated with greater periodontal severity and tooth loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal/Peri-Implant Inflammation and Systemic Conditions)
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15 pages, 2487 KB  
Systematic Review
Oral Manifestations in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Veronica Scocca, Giovanni Sarnelli, Marcella Pesce, Carlos Navarro-Cuéllar and Giovanni Dell’Aversana Orabona
Dent. J. 2026, 14(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14050250 - 23 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oral manifestations are recognized extra-intestinal features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their prevalence and clinical relevance remain controversial. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of individual oral outcomes in IBD patients and to evaluate their association with the disease compared [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oral manifestations are recognized extra-intestinal features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their prevalence and clinical relevance remain controversial. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of individual oral outcomes in IBD patients and to evaluate their association with the disease compared with healthy controls. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Studies reporting oral signs and symptoms in IBD patients were included. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed for oral ulcerations, dry mouth, halitosis, tongue alterations, oral aphthae, stomatitis, and taste changes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Twenty-one studies including 7791 participants (5914 IBD patients and 1877 controls) were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of oral ulcerations was 20% (95%CI11–33), dry mouth 32% (95%CI14–59), halitosis 22% (95%CI7–51), and tongue alterations 11% (95%CI4–24). Comparative analyses showed no statistically significant differences between IBD patients and controls for these outcomes. Conclusions: Although oral manifestations are frequently reported in IBD patients, their prevalence does not significantly differ from that of the general population. Standardized, multicenter studies are required to clarify disease-specific associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal/Peri-Implant Inflammation and Systemic Conditions)
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16 pages, 1798 KB  
Systematic Review
Is There an Association Between Periodontitis and Gestational Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Ludovica Giancotti, Sara Sorrenti, Lorenzo Marini, Gregorio Volpe, Patrizia Gallenzi, Daniele Di Mascio, Andrea Pilloni, Antonella Polimeni, Giuseppe Rizzo, Umberto Romeo, Antonella Giancotti and Piero Papi
Dent. J. 2026, 14(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14030139 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 687
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that may share metabolic and immune pathways. Evidence suggests an association between them, although results across studies remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between GDM and PD [...] Read more.
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that may share metabolic and immune pathways. Evidence suggests an association between them, although results across studies remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between GDM and PD and examined whether GDM influences key periodontal parameters. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted up to August 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies comparing periodontal status in pregnant women with and without GDM were included. Periodontal status was assessed using probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and random-effects models were applied to estimate pooled associations. Results: Fifteen studies involving about 3800 pregnant women met the criteria. A significant association was found between GDM and PD (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.10; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.64–2.69). No significant association emerged between GDM and gingivitis. Women with GDM showed increased BOP and higher PPD, indicating greater periodontal inflammation, while CAL did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusions: The findings support a significant association between GDM and periodontitis, suggesting that gestational hyperglycemia may enhance periodontal inflammation and early tissue changes. Incorporating periodontal screening into prenatal care may benefit maternal oral and metabolic health. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to clarify causality and to explore whether periodontal therapy may help reduce risks linked to GDM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal/Peri-Implant Inflammation and Systemic Conditions)
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