The oral cavity is a unique anatomical niche with its complex milieu of
factors that has developed an intricate and elaborate network of pathophysiological
responses. This chapter provides a brief overview of the fundamental pathophysiology
of oral cavity with an emphasis on the inflammation and immune responses that
regulate various oral diseases. The compounding nature of microbial and mechanical
insults adds intriguing facets to the role of inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of oral
pathologies. Finally, current and future strategies to prevent, reduce or reverse the
injurious nature of inflammation in various oral diseases are briefly discussed.
Keywords: Inflammation, Microbial biofilms, Oral immunology, Oral Mucosa,
Wound healing.
