Redox Biology, Oral Health, and the Host Response (401)

The increased awareness of oral pathogens and their effect on periodontal host response and the extended effects of chronic oral infection on systemic health has been a turning point for both medicine and dentistry. Local and systemic inflammatory burden has become a focus for health professionals concerned about oral and general health.

A new focus on the basal states of cellular redox biology is merging with the long-standing focus of microbe-induced periodontal disease and is beginning to expand the view of what comprises the "host response". In addition to the classic view of the inflammatory response in the presence of bacteria, there is a newfound appreciation for the role of cellular redox status in fortifying a healthier response that is more stress-responsive to outside threats.

Managing, manipulating, and even "hacking" the cellular redox state expands the host side of the health equation with regard to the ability to manage the consequences of periodontal disease, periimplantitis, and the natural healing and recovery processes following surgery or medical/dental intervention. Understanding and improving basic cell functioning and signaling capabilities inside of and between cells is one of the new frontiers in healthcare today.