Scientists talked about damage to the oral mucosa due to polluted air

For the first time, Brazilian scientists have obtained experimental evidence that air pollution can directly alter the tissues of the oral cavity. Exposure to fine particles not only increased inflammation in gum diseases, but also caused changes in the mucous membrane of the tongue, even in healthy animals. About how polluted air affects the tissues of the oral cavity and why it can accelerate the development of gum diseases, in the Izvestia article.

Air pollution has proven dangerous not only for the lungs

Scientists have known for a long time that air pollution affects the lungs, heart and other organs. However, the oral cavity is also in constant contact with the environment, so the researchers suggested that fine particles (PM2.5) can affect its tissues.

To test this hypothesis, experts from the State University of Sao Paulo and the University of Sao Paulo exposed mice to polluted air collected in the area of one of the busiest highways in Sao Paulo. The results of the study are published in the journal Medical Xpress.

It turned out that exposure to PM2.5 increased inflammation of periodontal tissues and accelerated the loss of alveolar bone, the structure that holds teeth. It is the destruction of this bone that is considered one of the main signs of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that often causes tooth loss in adults.

"The main task today is to prevent the accumulation of environmental problems in the future"

Alexander Kozlov — on lithium mining, the problem of landfills and the implementation of national projects

Unexpected changes were found in the mucous membrane of the tongue

The researchers obtained the most unexpected results when studying the mucous membrane of the tongue. Even in animals that were not artificially inflamed with periodontal tissue, scientists found pronounced changes.

According to the authors, the results obtained indicate a high sensitivity of the oral mucosa to the effects of polluted air. In addition to structural changes, scientists have recorded increased production of inflammatory cytokines and signs of oxidative stress in both tongue and periodontal tissues. According to the researchers, the combination of these changes creates conditions conducive to the development and intensification of inflammatory processes.

Scientists have explained the possible mechanism of damage

Oxidative or oxidative stress occurs when the body's balance between the formation of active molecules and the ability of antioxidant protection is disrupted. As a result, cells and tissues begin to become damaged. Researchers believe that this mechanism may be one of the main ways through which air pollution affects the tissues of the oral cavity and contributes to the progression of periodontal diseases.

The researchers suggest that small particles can affect the oral cavity in several ways at once. They can come into direct contact with the mucous membrane, causing local inflammation, and after entering the lungs, trigger a systemic inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress that affect other organs, including the tissues of the oral cavity.

You won't be able to fully defend yourself

The authors emphasize that the results have so far been obtained in animal experiments, so further research is needed to better understand how similar mechanisms manifest themselves in humans. Nevertheless, the work confirms the existence of a biological link between air pollution and changes in oral tissues.

According to the authors, the findings also highlight the importance of measures to improve air quality. The more scientists learn about the effects of pollution on various organs and tissues, the more obvious becomes the need to reduce the level of exposure to pollutants in the population.