Biofilm-Induced Immune Modulation in Periodontal and Oral Mucosal Diseases: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Oral biofilms are key etiological factors in periodontal and oral mucosal diseases due to their ability to dysregulate host immune responses and perpetuate chronic inflammation. The resulting inflammatory burden contributes significantly to oral disease progression and adversely affects overall health and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biofilm accumulation and immune modulation among healthy individuals and patients with periodontitis or oral mucosal diseases. Clinical periodontal parameters and salivary inflammatory cytokines were assessed and compared across groups. Diseased individuals exhibited significantly greater plaque accumulation, accompanied by elevated salivary levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, compared with healthy controls, indicating an enhanced pro-inflammatory response associated with disease status. These findings highlight the pivotal role of biofilm-driven immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of oral diseases and reinforce the importance of effective biofilm control in maintaining oral health. Furthermore, the study supports the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through disease prevention, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by informing evidence-based oral health promotion, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through biomarker-driven translational research. Furthermore, advancing knowledge in this area requires collaborative efforts between clinicians, researchers, and public health stakeholders, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).