It is generally accepted that periodontitis is initiated by complex and diverse microbial biofilms which form on the teeth (i.e., dental plaque). Substances released from this biofilm such as lipopolysaccharides, antigens, and other virulence factors, gain access to the gingival tissue and initiate an inflammatory and immune response, leading to the activation of host defence cells.

As a result of cellular activation, inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, arachidonic acid metabolites, and proteolytic enzymes collectively contribute to tissue destruction and bone resorption. Periodontitis can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by dental plaque biofilm and perpetuated by a deregulated immune response, usually accompanied by irreversible destruction of the supporting tissues surrounding the tooth, including the alveolar bone that may result in tooth loss.

The aim of this Special Issue is to update our current knowledge of the aetiology of periodontitis and oral diseases based on recent scientific evidence. Submissions should particularly focus on periodontitis and systemic health. We especially welcome original research articles discussing the impact of inflammatory mediators in periodontal diseases. Moreover, we also welcome interventional studies aiming at improving our knowledge about the effectiveness of salivary and gingival crevicular fluid diagnostics involved in the diagnosis of periodontitis. Submissions can also include a personalized medicine approach. Review studies including those that use conceptual frameworks for periodontitis pathways on any of the aforementioned topics are also welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Inflammatory mediators in oral diseases
• Inflammatory mediators in periodontitis
• Inflammatory mediators in oral cancer
• The role of interleukins in the pathophysiology of periodontal and oral diseases
• Specialized proresolving mediators
• Inflammatory mediators in oral leucoplakia
• Inflammatory mediators in oral lichen
• Relationship between inflammatory mediators and biofilms
• The role of inflammatory mediators in inflammatory cascades