Construction of Animal Models for Periodontal Disease

Background: Periodontal disease, the most prevalent chronic inflammatory condition in dentistry, not only causes periodontal attachment loss, tooth mobility, and tooth loss, impacting mastication, aesthetics, and phonation, but also serves as a significant risk factor for various systemic diseases, posing a serious threat to overall human health. Consequently, investigating the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are critical tasks in clinical dental research. Objective: To establish and evaluate experimental animal models applicable for periodontal disease research, and to systematically compare the advantages and disadvantages of different modeling methods, thereby providing a reference for related mechanistic studies and the development of therapeutic interventions. Methods: Through a literature review, we systematically summarized current common methods for constructing animal models of periodontal disease. This included the selection of small and large animal species, and various modeling techniques such as molar ligation, local gingival injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), local inoculation with periodontal pathogens, high-sugar diet induction, and chemical induction. Results: Different modeling methods possess distinct characteristics suitable for varying research objectives. Molar ligation is straightforward and reproducible but may cause mechanical damage; bacterial inoculation models more closely mimic the human disease process but require controlled infection conditions; dietary and chemical methods can simulate specific pathological conditions but often involve longer experimental periods. A comprehensive comparison provides a basis for model selection. Conclusion: Animal models are indispensable tools for studying the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and evaluating new therapies. The appropriate selection of a modeling method based on specific research needs enhances experimental reliability and applicability, thereby advancing research in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.