Autoimmunity and periodontal disease: Arguing a possible correlation

Abstract

Currently, there is a growing interest in studying systemic conditions associated with periodontal disease such as autoimmune disorders. Periodontal disease is a destructive inflammatory disease of the dental supporting tissues. The microorganisms associated with periodontal disease constitute diverse species that can colonize the oral cavity and influence the emergence or evolution of autoimmunity, characterized by a breakdown in the mechanisms of tolerance to self-antigens. Here, we reviewed and discussed a possible correlation between periodontal disease and autoimmunity, placing periodontal-pathogenic microorganisms as orchestrators of these pathological conditions.