What does this research mean for the field?

Occlusal trauma exacerbates the progression of periodontitis in susceptible individuals, but is not an initiating cause of the disease. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how occlusal trauma influences periodontitis and to evaluate current treatment approaches.

March 7, 2026Open Access

Occlusal Overload and Periodontitis: Integrating Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Perspectives-A Scoping Review.

Key Points

This research aims to explore how occlusal trauma influences periodontitis and to evaluate current treatment approaches.
Conducted a scoping review of existing literature on occlusal trauma and periodontitis
Analyzed the role of active MMP-8 biomarker in periodontal treatment
Reviewed clinical evidence for occlusal interventions and their effects
Found that occlusal trauma can worsen periodontitis in vulnerable individuals
Identified the use of aMMP-8 as a potential biomarker for treatment efficacy
Suggested selective occlusal interventions may provide better outcomes, despite modest effect sizes

Abstract

Occlusal trauma functions as a modifying factor that may exacerbate periodontitis progression in susceptible individuals, though it should not be considered an initiating cause of disease. The integration of occlusal assessment, active MMP-8 (aMMP-8) biomarker analysis, and targeted therapies may enhance periodontal treatment outcomes. However, the modest effect sizes observed in clinical studies suggest that selective rather than routine occlusal intervention may optimize the benefit-to-burden ratio. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish clinical guidelines.

Occlusal Overload and Periodontitis: Integrating Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Perspectives-A Scoping Review.

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study