Environmental particulate matter-one of the culprits in the development of caries

Abstract

With the development of society, ecological and environmental problems have gradually become the focus of attention of countries around the world, among which environmental particulate matter poses a major harm to health. This article elucidates the association between environmental particulate matter and dental caries and provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms. In addition, this study emphasizes the role of oxidative stress in the occurrence and development of dental caries, and a new research pathway based on the interaction between oxidative stress and dental caries based on the Nrf2 pathway has become the focus of future research on the pathogenesis of dental caries. The relevant content of this review can provide a certain theoretical basis for the follow-up multidisciplinary joint research of researchers, and provide a certain reference for public health personnel and policymakers to formulate prevention strategies and public health interventions, carry out more accurate individualized treatment for high-risk groups, implement key prevention and treatment, and promote the overall improvement of effective prevention and treatment of caries. Ultimately, more attention must be paid to addressing the relationship between environmental particulate pollution and dental caries, with a focus on pollution control and reducing preventable environmental risks in order to protect oral health more broadly.

Keywords: dental caries; environmental particulate matter; immune system; oral microbiota; oxidative stress; saliva.

Figure 1

Specific mechanisms of caries induced by environmental tobacco smoke, coal-fired particles and lead and cadmium. The central rectangle represents caries, the inner layer of three concentric circles represents the three exposure factors, and the outer layer represents the pathological mechanism that causes caries. Click the arrow in the center circle to jump to that location.

Figure 2

Multiple mechanisms involved in tobacco smoke-induced caries. This figure illustrates the diverse pathways involved in the development of tobacco smoke-induced caries, including dysbiosis, effects on the immune system, saliva, oxidative stress, and tissue hypoxia.

Figure 3

The blue box on the left represents the impact of tobacco exposure on saliva, while the green box on the right details the specific cariogenic mechanisms. The blue downward arrow signifies a decrease, and the red upward arrow indicates an increase.

Figure 4

The specific mechanism of lead and cadmium on tooth enamel, dentin and salivary glands. Blue downward arrows indicate decreased levels; red upward arrows indicate increased levels.