Animal Models in Periodontal Research: Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by microbial accumulation on tooth surfaces leading to the destruction of root cementum periodontal ligament gingiva and alveolar bone resulting in various intraosseous defects. It is influenced not only by microbial infection but also by host susceptibility. Clinical manifestations include gingival inflammation tooth-supporting structure breakdown tooth mobility and ultimately tooth loss. Moreover periodontitis is associated with systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease rheumatoid arthritis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Control measures include scaling root planing and rigorous oral hygiene practices. The primary goal of periodontal treatment is to regenerate lost periodontal tissues through non-surgical or surgical methods local drug delivery guided tissue regeneration using biomaterials bone substitutes and advanced techniques. Animal models play a critical role in testing these treatments for safety and efficacy before human application. Various species including rats hamsters ferrets pigs dogs and rabbits are used to induce periodontal disease and evaluate therapeutic strategies. Each species presents distinct advantages and challenges offering valuable insights into periodontal pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of animal models in periodontal research emphasizing their anatomical resemblances to humans genetic and physiological characteristics ease of handling and ethical considerations. These models facilitate controlled experiments that yield valuable insights into periodontal health and disease mechanisms. However differences in physiology and ethical concerns necessitate careful interpretation and application of findings to clinical practice.