The potential of sucralfate as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease: A review

Background: Periodontal disease, a common inflammatory condition caused by bacterial dysbiosis, leads to the destruction of connective tissue and tooth supporting tissue, and has a strong correlation with systemic disease. Sucralfate is a medication commonly used to treat epithelial wounds due to its strong anti-ulcer effects. It is also recognized for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the regulatory effect of sucralfate on periodontal remains unclear. The article aims to review the potential of sucralfate in the treatment of periodontal disease. Material and Methods: The literature review within the year 2019-2024 was carried out in ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the keywords: sucralfate, periodontal health, periodontal medication, oral health, antibacterial. Results: Sucralfate demonstrates multiple beneficial properties for periodontal treatment, including forming protective barriers, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. It shows promise in mitigating dental erosion, managing mucositis, and enhancing recovery in postoperative scenarios. However, its localized effects and minimal systemic absorption make it relatively safe, though side effects like constipation and rare cases of aluminum toxicity in renal-compromised individuals were noted. Conclusions: Sucralfate has significant potential as an adjunctive treatment for periodontal disease, leveraging its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Despite its promise, further research is needed to address the heterogeneity of existing studies and to evaluate its clinical efficacy through standardized trials, enabling its integration into routine periodontal management.