Be resistant to apoptosis: a host factor from gingival fibroblasts

Bacteria are the main cause of infectious diseases. Millions of bacteria colonized around gingival tissue can cause periodontal diseases. 1 When dental plaque (bacteria) accumulates, the proportion of gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria increases for the release of endotoxin and bacterial debris (including lipopolysaccharide, LPS) into the gingivae. Then gingivitis, which is usually presented as swelling and bleeding in gingival tissue, may appear. A classic experiment has indicated healthy adults developed clinical signs of gingivitis without tooth cleaning in 2 or 3 weeks. 2 But gingivitis is completely reversible in a week if oral hygiene is regained. If tooth cleaning is effective, dental plaque will be maintained in a relatively small amount and the gingivae remains comparably healthy. 3