Role of cytokines in periodontal diseases.

The known actions of cytokines suggest that these molecules hold a great potential for modulating the host immune response and enhancing tissue regeneration. These molecules would be useful in controlling the adverse effects of the host immune response and/or augmenting the regenerative potential of cytokines. Once the technology is optimized, it may be possible for dentists to apply cytokine therapy to resolve periodontal infections. Such therapeutic measures hold promise not only in the resolution of periodontal infections, but also in the treatment of other diseases of the oral cavity.