Impression of the Clock Genes on Oral Health and Diseases: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The circadian clock helps organisms adapt their physiological processes to changing environmental conditions, including the adaptation of the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle in day and night. Circadian rhythms regulate the proper timing and synchronisation of various physiological and metabolic processes in our body by supporting 24-hour oscillations of master genes. At the molecular level, a family of transcription factors known as “clock genes” controls circadian oscillations in gene expression. Through this complex regulatory network, our brain communicates with several peripheral organs and tissues receive communication from our brain via this complex regulatory network. Dysregulation of the circadian rhythm can lead to multiple diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. The circadian clock appears to significantly affect saliva production, salivary glands, oral epithelium, and tooth development. Therefore, the goal of this review is to provide a systematic and integrated perspective on the role and effects of the circadian clock and its genes on oral health and diseases, while briefly discussing their relation to systemic health and conditions.

Keywords

• ameloblasts
• circadian rhythm
• malignancy
• autoimmune disease
• salivary gland