Abstract
The pathogenesis of periodontitis is no longer attributed to a single infectious organism but rather to a dysbiosis-affiliated microbial community that disrupts host immune response. Within this polymicrobial ecosystem, Tannerella forsythia has emerged as one of the principal periodontal pathogens because of its ability to evade host defenses, promote tissue destruction, and establish cooperative interactions with neighboring microorganisms. As a Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacterium belonging to the red complex group, T. forsythia is consistently associated with advanced periodontal disease and is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to both local periodontal destruction and systemic inflammation. A 2024 meta-analysis of ten studies involving over 80 thousand participants further found a significant association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and periodontitis.
Recommended Citation
Dibble, Abby MS and Soileau, Kristi M.
(2026)
"The Potential Relationship between Red Complex Tannerella Forsythia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea,"
New Orleans Dental Association News: Vol. 64:
No.
8, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/noda-news/vol64/iss8/3