Stem cells : All to optimize periodontal health outcomes

Stem cells can self-renew and produce different cell types, thus providing new strategies to regenerate missing tissues and treat diseases. In the field of periodontology, adult mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been identified in several oral and periodontal tissues, which suggests that the oral tissues are a rich source of stem cells, and iral stem and mucosal cells are expected to provide an ideal source for genetically reprogrammed cells such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Furthermore, oral tissues are expected to be not only a source but also a therapeutic target for stem cells, as stem cell and tissue engineering therapies in dentistry continue to attract increasing clinical interest. Additionally, appropriate sources of stem cells for regenerative periodontology are discussed with regard to differentiation capacity, accessibility and possible immunomodulatory properties.