What is the role of epithelium in maintaining oral health and preventing infection?
Best insight from top research papers
The epithelium in the oral cavity plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preventing infections. Specifically, the junctional epithelium (JE) acts as a specialized barrier that seals the inside of the body against oral microorganisms . This barrier function is essential for protecting the host from pathogens, exogenous substances, and mechanical stress . The oral epithelial cells are equipped with various mechanisms to respond to external challenges, such as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to bacterial infections . Additionally, gingival epithelial cells have defense mechanisms that combat pathobiotic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, highlighting their role in defending against microbial invasions and maintaining homeostatic balance . Overall, the epithelium's structural integrity and molecular responses are vital for oral health by preventing infections and promoting tissue integrity.
Answers from top 4 papers
More filters
| Papers (4) | Insight |
|---|---|
8 Citations | Gingival epithelium plays a crucial role in oral health by defending against pathobiotic bacteria through intricate defense mechanisms, maintaining homeostasis, and preventing infections in the oral mucosa. |
| The junctional epithelium (JE) plays a crucial role in maintaining dento-gingival adhesion, preventing microbial invasion, and safeguarding periodontal health by forming a protective barrier at the dento-gingival junction. | |
188 Citations | Oral epithelial cells play a crucial role in protecting against microbial challenges, maintaining tissue integrity, and regulating immune responses to prevent infections and support oral health. |
140 Citations | The oral epithelial barrier acts as the first line of defense against pathogens, mechanical stress, and exogenous substances, playing a crucial role in preventing oral bacterial infections and maintaining oral health. |
Related Questions
What are the specific functions of epithelial cells in lining the oral mucosa?5 answersEpithelial cells in the oral mucosa serve crucial functions such as providing a physical barrier against external threats, regulating immune responses, and participating in the secretion of inflammatory mediators. These cells are intricately involved in maintaining the integrity of the oral epithelium by forming structural proteins and specialized cell-cell junctions, which are essential for barrier function. Additionally, epithelial cells play a role in responding to microbial challenges, as seen in gingival epithelial cells that combat pathobiotic bacteria through biocidal effects and danger molecule signaling. Furthermore, epithelial cells can up-regulate immune-modulatory receptors in response to bacterial components, contributing to immune responses and potentially influencing the development of diseases like periodontitis. Overall, epithelial cells in the oral mucosa are vital for protection, immune regulation, and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
How to maintain oral health?5 answersTo maintain oral health, it is important to follow proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, a healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial for oral health maintenance. Ayurveda recommends specific procedures like dantdhavan, jihvanirlekhan, pratisaran, gandoosha, and the use of single drugs decoction as mouth rinse for maintaining a healthy oral cavity. Good communication between dental professionals and families is essential, especially for children, to emphasize the importance of diet control, oral hygiene, and individualized recall dental visits. Machine learning techniques can be used to identify potential oral pathologies and facilitate oral health maintenance. Children with chronic respiratory diseases may have higher prevalence of oral diseases, so preventive measures, early diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies are important. Finally, an oral-health composition that promotes self-activation and continuous production of reactive oxygen can be used for maintaining oral health.
What is the importance of oral health?4 answersOral health is a fundamental aspect of overall health and quality of life. Maintaining oral health is important because oral diseases can be preventable or easily treated if detected early. Poor oral health has been linked to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can also lead to longer hospital stays, increased care costs, and higher risk of hospital-acquired infections. Additionally, promoting oral health from an early age is crucial for monitoring children's growth and preventing oral pathologies. Schools, supported by pediatricians and dentists, can play a role in educating children about oral health. Overall, oral health is essential for proper functioning, well-being, and overall health, and it should be prioritized in healthcare and education.
What is the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex?5 answersThe olfactory epithelium is a specialized tissue located in the posterosuperior portion of each nasal cavity. It contains bipolar olfactory neurons that project apically towards the outside world and basally towards the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is a structure in the brain that receives olfactory information from the olfactory epithelium. It forms olfactory maps and transmits them to other brain centers for further processing. The olfactory cortex is a collection of brain regions, including the anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex. These regions are interconnected with other areas of the brain and are involved in the integration of olfactory information with memory, emotions, and taste.
What is the purpose of the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex?5 answersThe olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb, and olfactory cortex serve different purposes in the olfactory system. The olfactory epithelium is responsible for detecting airborne chemicals as odorants and contains a large repertoire of odorant receptors (ORs) that help in detecting and discriminating diverse kinds of odorants in the environment. The olfactory bulb receives input from the olfactory epithelium and plays a crucial role in odor discrimination. It forms a glomerular map based on sensory inputs and relays this information to second-order neurons in the olfactory cortex. The olfactory cortex, including the piriform cortex, is the largest component of the olfactory cortex and contributes to various aspects of odor perception, including odor intensity and quality coding, odor hedonics, and odor memory. It also relies on neural plasticity for basic perceptual functions and is susceptible to disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Why endothelial and epithelial cells are used in tissue engineering？?1 answersEndothelial and epithelial cells are used in tissue engineering because they play crucial roles in the formation and function of blood vessels and tissues. Endothelial cells, derived from blood or other sources, have been shown to have the ability to create functional vascular networks in vivo, making them ideal for vascularization of engineered organs and tissues. These cells form the inner lining of blood vessels and are involved in processes such as immune cell extravasation, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. Epithelial cells, on the other hand, are important for the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues, such as skin and organs like the heart. They provide structural support, regulate cell signaling, and contribute to tissue homeostasis. Additionally, the discovery of adult tissue-specific stem cells has further highlighted the importance of these cells in tissue engineering, as they have the potential to differentiate into various cell types and contribute to tissue repair and regeneration.