Nitric oxide in oral homeostasis: endogenous production and microbiota contribution

ABSTRACT Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in oral homeostasis, yet its relevance remains underexplored. This communication aims to describe the dual role of nitric oxide in oral health by examining its endogenous production by adult odontoblasts and its generation by nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral microbiota. Additionally, it presents therapeutic approaches to modulate nitric oxide levels, including nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials and dietary interventions such as prebiotics and probiotics. Recent findings confirm the constitutive expression of nitric oxide synthase in healthy adult odontoblasts, indicating a continuous role in pulp health maintenance. Simultaneously, nitrate-reducing bacteria contribute to oral balance by metabolizing dietary nitrates into nitric oxide. These mechanisms support nitric oxide as a key modulator of oral homeostasis. Understanding and leveraging these pathways may provide innovative strategies for oral disease prevention and tissue regeneration, reinforcing the importance of nitric oxide-targeted therapies in dentistry.