Impact of occlusal trauma on periodontal disease: a literature review

Periodontal disease can be defined as a chronic inflammatory process primarily associated with the accumulation of dental biofilm that affects the supporting periodontal and protective tissues of the periodontium, including root cementum, gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. However, evidence indicates that non-microbial factors, such as occlusal trauma, may also contribute to its progression. In this context, the need to investigate the possible correlation between loss of periodontal attachment and the presence of occlusal alterations, particularly those arising from repetitive traumatic loading, is emphasized. The present study aimed to critically analyze the existing scientific literature on the relationship between occlusal trauma and periodontal impairment. A total of twenty-eight articles were included, selected from the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, published between 1999 and 2025, using terms such as occlusal trauma, periodontal disease, inflammatory mediators, and periodontal inflammation. The qualitative analysis aimed to highlight convergences and divergences in the findings, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors that influence periodontal disease. The study revealed that, although occlusal trauma is not a causative factor of the disease, it exacerbates the destruction of already compromised tissues, highlighting the need for an integrated therapeutic approach for its management.