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Microplastics in the Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review
Delfin Lovelina Francis1, Saravanan Sampoornam Pape Reddy2
1Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Introduction: Microplastics, plastic particles <5 mm in size, are a new class of environmental pollutants and have a role in systemic and oral health. Their implication in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases has only recently been addressed. Objective: This review will discuss recent evidence of the modes of action by which microplastics may be involved in the onset and development of periodontal diseases. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed up to May 2025 using keywords "microplastics," "nanoplastics," "oral health," "periodontal disease," "oxidative stress," "dysbiosis," "DNA damage response," and "immune response" in the title, abstract, or keywords. According to PRISMA guidelines, 235 articles were retrieved, and 210 remained after duplicates were discarded. A total of 150 were removed after title/abstract screening. Sixty full-text articles were reviewed, and 30 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: The existing evidence indicates that microplastics may induce periodontal pathology via several potential mechanisms, including (i) mechanical irritation of the surface of the gingival tissues, (ii) emission of toxic additives that cause oxidative stress, (iii) activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, (iv) imbalance in the microbial community, and (v) immune regulation. These pathways intersect to enhance inflammation, tissue destruction, and dysbiosis, which culminate in the progression of periodontal disease. Conclusions: It is suggested that microplastics are one of the potential epiphenomena of periodontal diseases. However, original experimental data are limited, especially with reference to immunological interactions. Future in-vitro and clinical investigations are urgently needed to confirm these mechanistic hypotheses and to foster preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Insights
Microplastics may contribute to periodontal disease through mechanical irritation, toxic additives, and immune responses. Further research is needed to confirm their role in oral health and disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Oral Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (<5 mm) are emerging environmental pollutants impacting systemic and oral health.
- The role of microplastics in periodontal disease pathogenesis is a recent area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on how microplastics may contribute to the development of periodontal diseases.
- To explore the mechanisms of action linking microplastics to periodontal pathology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2025.
- Keywords included microplastics, nanoplastics, oral health, periodontal disease, oxidative stress, dysbiosis, DNA damage response, and immune response.
- PRISMA guidelines were followed, resulting in the qualitative synthesis of 30 articles.
Main Results:
- Microplastics may cause periodontal issues via mechanical irritation, toxic additive release leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage response activation, microbial dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation.
- These mechanisms collectively promote inflammation, tissue destruction, and disease progression.
- Microplastics are suggested as potential epiphenomena in periodontal diseases.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics are implicated as potential contributors to periodontal disease development.
- Current experimental data, particularly on immunological interactions, are limited.
- Further in vitro and clinical studies are essential to validate these hypotheses and guide preventive strategies.
