EC Dental Science

The gingival epithelium, a crucial component of the oral mucosa, plays a pivotal role in maintaining oral health and defending against microbial invasion. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and pathophysiological significance of gingival epithelium. Structurally, gingival epithelium consists of different layers, each serving specific functions such as barrier formation, adhesion, and immune surveillance. Functionally, it acts as a physical barrier against microbial ingress, contributes to wound healing, and regulates inflammatory responses. Moreover, gingival epithelium actively participates in host-microbe interactions by recognizing and responding to microbial stimuli through various signaling pathways. Dysregulation of gingival epithelial functions is associated with numerous oral diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying gingival epithelial biology is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases. This review highlights the significance of gingival epithelium in oral health and underscores the need for further research to elucidate its complex roles in maintaining oral homeostasis.

 Keywords: Gingival Epithelium; Oral Health; Microbial Invasion; Oral Homeostasis

1. Newman MG., et al. “Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology”. 13^th Saunders (2018).
2. Takahashi Naoki., et al. “Gingival epithelial barrier: regulation by beneficial and harmful microbes”. Tissue Barriers3 (2019): e1651158.
3. Schroeder HE and Listgarten MA. “The gingival tissues: the architecture of periodontal protection”. Periodontology 2000 13 (1997): 91-120.
4. Mazzella WJ and S H Vernick. “The ultrastructure of normal and pathologic human gingival epithelium”. Journal of Periodontology1 (1968): 5-8.
5. Listgarten MA. “The ultrastructure of human gingival epithelium”. The American Journal of Anatomy 114 (1964): 49-69.
6. Jiang Qian., et al. “Morphological and functional characteristics of human gingival junctional epithelium”. BMC Oral Health 14 (2014): 30.
7. Cleaton-Jones P., et al. “Surface ultrastructure of human gingiva”. Journal of Periodontal Research4 (1978): 367-371.
8. Caffesse RG., et al. “Keratinizing potential of sulcular epithelium”. Journal of Periodontology3 (1977): 140-146.
9. Bosshardt DD and N P Lang. “The junctional epithelium: from health to disease”. Journal of Dental Research1 (2005): 9-20.
10. Nanci Antonio and Dieter D Bosshardt. “Structure of periodontal tissues in health and disease”. Periodontology 2000 40 (2006): 11-28.
11. Michael T. “Murray ND, in Textbook of Natural Medicine (Fifth Edition)” (2020).
12. Nibali Luigi. “Development of the gingival sulcus at the time of tooth eruption and the influence of genetic factors”. Periodontology 20001 (2018): 35-42.
13. Ten Cate AR. “Oral Histology: Development, Structure, and Function”. 9^th Elsevier (2017).
14. Pizzorno JE., et al. “Periodontal disease”. The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine (2016): 787-795.
15. Bosshardt DD and Lang NP. “The junctional epithelium: from health to disease”. Journal of Dental Research1 (2005): 9-20.
16. Dale BA., et al. “Epithelial development and differentiation”. In: Newman MG., et al. editors. Carranza’s clinical periodontology. 13^th Elsevier (2018): 71-82.
17. Nakamura M. “Histological and immunological characteristics of the junctional epithelium”. Japanese Dental Science Review 2 (2018): 59-65.
18. S Gibbs., et al. “Biology of soft tissue repair: gingival epithelium in wound healing and attachment to the tooth and abutment surface”. European Cells and Materials 38 (2019): 63-78.
19. Lamster IB., et al. “Periodontal microbial flora and the immunologic response to a new oral hygiene regimen”. Quintessence International 3 (1994): 197-201.
20. Darveau RP. “Periodontitis: a polymicrobial disruption of host homeostasis”. Nature Reviews Microbiology 7 (2010): 481-490.
21. Kinane DF., et al. “Host-response: understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of host-microbial interactions-consensus of the Seventh European Workshop on Periodontology”. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 11 (2011): 44-48.
22. Kido J., et al. “Immunocytochemical localization of nerve fibers in the human gingival epithelium: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study”. Journal of Periodontal Research 4 (2015): 484-491.
23. Lindhe J., et al. “Clinical periodontology and implant dentistry”. 6^th Wiley-Blackwell (2015).
24. Misch CE. “Contemporary implant dentistry”. 3^rd Mosby (2007).