Periodontal and intestinal barriers: from the histological, microbiological and immunological similarities to medical recommendations

Clara Simon ^1,2,3 Sophie Maillard ^1,2,3,4*

• ¹ University of Rennes, Rennes, France
• ² Periodontal Unit, Dental care center, University hospital of Pontchaillou, Rennes, France, Rennes, France
• ³ U.F.R d’Odontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rennes, France, France
• ⁴ Public health Unit, Dental care center, University hospital of Pontchaillou, Rennes, France, Rennes, France

Barrier sites, where the body directly interacts with the external environment, play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and tissue integrity. The periodontium and the intestinal barriers possess a specialized defense arsenal, including tightly regulated epithelial permeability, protective secretions, a resident microbiota, and constant immune surveillance. By the emergence of a dysbiotic microbiota and dysregulation of the immune response, these two barriers may give way to complex inflammatory conditions named periodontitis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Research suggests that certain periodontopathogens appear capable of colonizing the intestinal mucosa and contributing to the exacerbation of IBD symptoms. Conversely, IBD is associated with changes in the composition of the oral microbiota and shifts in immune balance within the oral cavity. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the histological, microbiological, immunological similarities of periodontal and intestinal barriers, clinical implications and associated recommendations for gastroenterologists and dentists.