The dento-gingival junction comprises multiple epithelia including the junctional epithelium (JE), which is the most coronally-located structural element of the dento-gingival junction that demarcates external from internal periodontal environments.After tooth eruption into the oral cavity, a specialized basal lamina is formed that provides a firm attachment of the JE to the enamel.This attachment prevents microbial species and oral debris from entering subjacent pH Indicators - pH Test Strips periodontal tissues.Here we discuss the expression of certain JE adhesion molecules and enamel proteins that maintain the health of the dento-gingival junction but that are perturbed in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
We also consider how evolutionary processes have influenced the development of the JE as a specialized adhesion that is well-suited for protection of the dento-gingival junction.A Electric Salad Spinners detailed understanding of the biology of the JE will deepen current models of dento-gingival adhesion, potentially clarify inter-patient variability of susceptibility to periodontitis and help to identify new roles of enamel proteins in periodontal regeneration.