Statins in the treatment of oral diseases

Piotr Suski, Emanuela Bis, Oskar Tokarczuk, Michał Siwek, Karolina Thum-Tyzo

Abstract


Introduction: Statins, as inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are crucial in managing blood cholesterol levels and, consequently, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Studies also indicate the role of statins in maintaining the homeostasis of the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of statins in treating oral diseases and their multifaceted pharmacological effects on the oral mucosa.
Materials and methods: Publications from PubMed and ResearchGate (2008–2024) were analyzed, focusing on original research and review articles on the role of statins in oral health. Keywords included: statins, oral mucosa, oral health. From a total of 824 papers, 22 were selected after thorough abstract analysis. Criteria centered on the effects of statins on the oral mucosa, oral microbiome, and jawbone physiology. Limitations included reliance on in vitro and animal models, which may not fully represent the complexity of the human organism, limiting the extrapolation of results to humans.
Results: Based on the analysis, it was found that statins, as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, effectively control hyperlipidemia and play an important role in maintaining oral health. Statins exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which are crucial in treating periodontal diseases and reducing bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, they have shown potential in treating advanced oral diseases, such as squamous cell carcinoma, primarily by modulating biochemical pathways related to the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Research also highlights the ability of statins to improve salivary gland function and their potential protection against bone loss around implants.
Conclusion: Statins effectively treat periodontal diseases, infections, and oral cancers, promoting wound healing and bone regeneration. Local application with carriers like gelatin hydrogel enhances benefits while minimizing side effects, but further research is needed to balance their benefits against potential risks in dental applications.

Keywords


simvastatin; oral mucosa diseases; oral health; periodontal treatment; anti-inflammatory effects

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1078

Copyright (c) 2025 Piotr Suski, Emanuela Bis, Oskar Tokarczuk, Michał Siwek, Karolina Thum-Tyzo

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