THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PERIODONTAL DISEASE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES

Alexandra Mihaela Stoica, Timea Dako, Monica Dana Monea, Liana Bereșescu,Csilla Benedek, Alexandru Vlasa, Oana Elena Stoica

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.69

ABSTRACT

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined by the destruction of the tooth-supporting structures, in which the oxidative stress arising from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defence mechanisms plays an important role in disease pathogenesis and progression. Our study aims to review the role of oxidative stress in periodontal health, focusing on the clinical correlations and the impact of oxidative stress biomarkers on the severity of periodontitis. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed Central and other scientific databases identified studies published between January 2010 and April 2024 investigating the association between oxidative stress and periodontitis. Using keywords such as “oxidative stress,” “periodontitis,” and “biomarkers,” relevant outcomes including levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant biomarkers, and clinical parameters such as probing depth and attachment loss were assessed. Results The findings indicate that oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and superoxide dismutase, are significantly elevated in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy controls. These biomarkers correlate with clinical measures of periodontitis severity, such as increased pocket depth and alveolar bone loss. Antioxidant levels were generally lower in periodontitis patients, reflecting impaired oxidative defence mechanisms. Conclusions The studies reviewed confirm oxidative stress as a key factor in periodontitis. Biomarkers like MDA and 8-OHdG may help assess disease progression and treatment success. Future research should explore antioxidant therapies to reduce oxidative damage in periodontal tissues.