Role of periodontopathogenic virus in periodontal disease: a review

Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases, but the specific mechanism by which the tooth‑supportive tissue is destroyed is not clearly understood. Viral infection impairs periodontal defenses, thereby permitting subgingival overgrowth of periodontopathic bacteria. The role of viruses is significant, as they may induce abnormalities in the adhesion, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. When associated with one another, viruses and bacteria have stronger periodontopathogenic potential than individually. Therefore, it is significant to know all etiologic factors and such an insight would lead to the better treatment of the disease.