Characteristics and cellular mechanism of the wound healing process in the oral mucosa

Wound healing involves four stages: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Each wound should be considered separately because of the tissue’s different environment. The key to successful wound healing is cell signalling and synchronisation between cells and chemical transmitters, which gradient attracts immune cells and prevents pathogens from causing infection.

Both skin and oral mucosa stages of the wound healing process are the same. Nonetheless, some differences affect the outcome of the healing. The most critical factors that impact the process are the time required for wound closure or immune response, the presence of saliva, the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Compared to the skin, wounds in the oral mucosa heal much faster and without scarring. Saliva plays a crucial role in healing the oral mucosa – because of higher levels of tissue factor, it reduces the clotting time. Furthermore, it is rich in many growth factors stimulating wound healing. Mesenchymal stem cells are yet another valid matter regarding wound healing in oral mucosa. Outstanding properties of these cells exhibit potential to be applied for therapeutical purposes. Additionally, immune cells’ participation and response to tissue damage are more substantial and faster in the oral mucosa than in the skin.

Wound healing is a complex process influenced by many factors, including hyperglycaemia in diabetes, smoking, alcohol, and levels of sex hormones. Some of them, such as smoking, impair all stages of healing, while others only have some elements.