Abstract
Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an essential role in the development of immature permanent teeth. Bacterial infection of the pulp and periapical tissues of immature permanent teeth, the associated oral pathogens, and their virulence factors affect the viability, proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine secretion of MSCs. Bacteria and virulence factors can also trigger an inflammatory response that induces pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and destroys odontogenic MSCs in the pulp and periapical region, negatively affecting the development of immature permanent teeth. The present study explored the role and mechanisms of oral pathogens associated with pulpitis and apical periodontitis and their virulence factors concerning odontogenic MSCs. The findings can contribute to the clinical treatment of pulpitis and apical periodontitis of immature permanent teeth, providing a theoretical basis for improving its clinical efficacy.