Zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of structurally related enzymes that are known to be crucial in the catabolic turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. MMPs are thought to control the activity of a number of non-ECM bioactive substrates, such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and cell receptors, which control the tissue microenvironment. The interaction between cells and ECM plays a key role in normal development and differentiation of organism and many pathological states as well. The primary class of controlling proteases in the ECM is known as MMPs. Aspects of normal physiology and pathology depend on the ability of MMPs to change the structural integrity of tissues. Uncontrolled ECM turnover, tissue remodeling, inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and migration are pathogenic alterations that can result from an imbalance between the concentration of active metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases [TIMPs]). This detailed review provides some information on the function of MMPs in inflammatory, caries and periapical, cancer, and other oral diseases. Blood and saliva are the two biological fluids that are most frequently used to diagnose oral disorders. Most of the ECM components in patients undergo digestion to lower molecular weight forms, resulting in much higher amounts of MMPs in their saliva/blood than in healthy individuals. Conventional treatment successfully reduces the levels of MMPs which inhibits the progressive breakdown of collagens in ECM components.

Introduction: Menthol is a new product made from mint that is the most eff ective approach to avoid infections. There has been little human research on using menthol as a mouth rinse ingredient, and there is little information on the subject. Aim: This study aimed to know the eff ectiveness of menthol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and Streptococcus mutans in saliva among 21 to 45 years old subjects. Material and method: The study is a placebo-control, parallel-group blind randomized clinical trial consisting of a 2-week period. Forty subjects were selected and randomized into 2 groups consisting of 20 subjects: group A (menthol) and group B (chlorohexidine). The subjects were clinically examined for plaque accumulation using the plaque index (Turesky et al.) and gingival infl ammation using the gingival index (loe and silness). The saliva samples were collected for estimation of S. mutans count on the fi rst day of baseline and after the 14th day using an assigned mouth rinse. Results: Menthol mouth rinse showed lower scores in plaque index, gingival index, and S. mutans count compared to the chlorhexidine mouth rinse which was statistically signifi cant (p = 0.05). Mouth rinse with menthol is better compared to mouth rinse with chlorohexidine. Conclusion: Menthol mouthwash has therapeutic potential and can be prescribed by a dentist as part of routine oral hygiene practice