Periodontal health and disease

This editorial reviews the "Periodontal Health and Disease" Collection from Scientific Reports, highlighting pivotal research that bridges the gap between local oral pathology and systemic health. The Collection presents significant mechanistic insights, particularly regarding the role of VPS13B in epithelial barrier function and the regulation of osteoprotegerin by gingival fibroblasts. Furthermore, it showcases diagnostic advancements in salivary biomarkers, such as short-chain fatty acids and specific B-cell subsets, which offer noninvasive avenues for early detection. Crucially, the research explores the bidirectional links between periodontitis and systemic conditions, including non-small cell lung cancer, threatened preterm labor, and metabolic dysregulation. Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of periodontal health in achieving global health targets, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and provide a roadmap for future translational research and clinical practice.