Unravelling the Relationship: Oral Protozoans, Periodontitis and Systemic Non-Communicable Diseases.

Abstract

Oral protozoans, specifically Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, have been identified in the oral cavity of individuals with periodontitis, frequently known as gum disease. Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation and degradation of the periodontal tissues and has been associated with the aggravation of systemic noncommunicable diseases. Although the importance of oral protozoans in periodontitis progression is often overlooked, their occurrence in individuals with periodontitis has reportedly been linked to the same modifiable risk factors contributing to numerous systemic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the occurrence patterns and potential connections among oral protozoans, periodontitis, and systemic NCDs while presenting the existing methods for the detection and identification of E. gingivalis and T. tenax.