Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of periodontal tissue and alveolar bone loss. To develop effective treatment strategies, a model that mimics this disease must be implemented. From this perspective, animal models can be used to investigate its mechanisms by reproducing disease progression and providing insights into host-microbe interactions, immune responses, and bone remodeling. In addition, periodontitis-associated bone loss fundamentally differs from systemic bone loss. Targeted treatments require distinguishing periodontitis-induced and systemic bone loss mechanisms. This review examines the rationale for using animal models in periodontal research and evaluates various experimental approaches, such as bacterial inoculation, ligature-induced periodontitis, and chemically induced inflammation. These models have advanced our understanding of periodontal disease but have limitations in replicating the chronic nature of periodontitis and human immune responses. However, current models cannot fully replicate chronic disease progression and human immune responses. Recent developments have focused on improving animal models to more accurately simulate disease progression and host responses, which has led to the elucidation of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of periodontitis and their relevance to the human dental environment. Moreover, new approaches, such as developing age-related periodontitis models and improving ligature techniques, could enhance experimental reproducibility and translational potential. Future studies are needed to reflect these improvements and enhance the clinical relevance of periodontitis models.

Introduction
Necessity of Animal Models in PeriodontalResearch
Considerations When Choosing AnimalModel for Periodontal Research
Induction Models for Periodontitis inAnimals
    1. Bacterial inoculation models
    2. Ligation-induced periodontitis models
    3. Chemical induction models
Conclusion
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References

• Jaemin Joun(Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea, Hard-tissue Biointerface Research Center, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea)
• Zhao Wang(Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea, Hard-tissue Biointerface Research Center, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea)
• Ju Han Song(Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea, Hard-tissue Biointerface Research Center, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author
• Jeong-Tae Koh(Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea, Hard-tissue Biointerface Research Center, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author