Animal models and its role in the study of periodontal diseases

Animal models have contributed new data and findings in medical sciences, including periodontology. Selection of the ideal animal model depends on the similarity of the periodontium and the disease condition to that of humans. There is no single model which can represent periodontal tissues exactly similar to humans. The most common animal models used are dogs and non-human primates, although other animals (rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, miniature pigs, ferrets, and sheep) have also been frequently used. Dog models have contributed significantly to the current understanding of periodontology. In this review, we have highlighted few important aspects of animal models with a brief description of models used in periodontology.