Sex Hormone Modulation in Periodontal Inflammation and Healing

The hallmark of periodontal disease is initial inflammation of the gingiva following microbial insult by oral micro-organisms which are encased in a well-organised structure called dental plaque biofilm. Primarily, periodontal diseases can be categorised into two broad groups: periodontitis and gingivitis. Given the potential roles of sex hormones in periodontal inflammation and healing, there is a growing need to study the implications of gender differences in periodontal tissues. The primary female sex hormones which influence the periodontal supporting tissues are oestrogen and progesterone. Both are known to influence the organs and systems in the body. Testosterone is a sex hormone that exhibits many functions beyond reproduction. Like oestrogen, testosterone can exert marked anabolic effects in tissues. The 25–30-day menstrual cycle is controlled by the secretion of sex hormones. It has two phases: the proliferative phase and the secretory phase.