Oral and Periodontal Implications of Hepatitis Type B and D. Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Periodontitis is characterized by low-grade inflammation of the periodontal tissues, the structures that support and connect the teeth to the maxilla and mandible. This inflammation is caused by the accumulation of subgingival bacterial biofilm and gradually leads to the extensive damage of these tissues and the consequent loss of teeth. Hepatitis B is a major global health concern; infection with the hepatitis B virus causes significant inflammation of the liver and the possibility of its gradual evolution to cirrhosis. Hepatitis D, caused by infection with the delta hepatitis virus, is manifest only in patients already infected with the type B virus in a simultaneous (co-infected) or superimposed (superinfected) manner. The dental and periodontal status of patients with hepatitis B/D could exhibit significant changes, increasing the risk of periodontitis onset. Moreover, the progression of liver changes in these patients could be linked to periodontitis; therefore, motivating good oral and periodontal health could result in the prevention and limitation of pathological effects. Given that both types of diseases have a significant inflammatory component, common pro-inflammatory mediators could drive and augment the local inflammation at both a periodontal and hepatic level. This suggests that integrated management of these patients should be proposed, as therapeutical means could deliver an improvement to both periodontal and hepatic statuses. The aim of this review is to gather existing information on the proposed subject and to organize significant data in order to improve scientific accuracy and comprehension on this topic while generating future perspectives for research.