Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial proteolytic enzymes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), playing a key role in tissue turnover and homeostasis. In the periodontium, a complex network of connective tissues, MMPs are involved in maintaining the structural integrity of the ECM. However, during periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, MMP activity is significantly increased, leading to the degradation of ECM components and irreversible loss of periodontal tissues. MMPs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing, tissue remodeling, and cancer progression. They are also implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, where their overactivity contributes to the destruction of the periodontium. MMP activity is regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and other factors. The ECM in the periodontium consists of collagens, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and other proteins, which provide structural and biochemical support to the tissues. MMPs, along with bacterial proteases, play a significant role in the breakdown of the periodontium during inflammation. Understanding the role of MMPs in the periodontium is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to treat periodontitis. The review highlights the importance of MMPs in both physiological and pathological processes, emphasizing their role in the development and progression of periodontitis. The ECM is a dynamic structure that is constantly remodeled, and MMPs are key players in this process. The balance between MMP activity and TIMP inhibition is crucial for maintaining periodontal health. Dysregulation of MMP activity can lead to severe tissue damage and disease progression. The review also discusses the various types of MMPs, their structure, and their regulation. The role of MMPs in the oral cavity, including their involvement in odontogenesis, dental caries, pulpitis, and oral cancer, is also highlighted. The review underscores the importance of MMPs in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and their potential as therapeutic targets. The ECM in the periodontium is composed of various components, including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the tissues. The periodontium consists of four main components: gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. The ECM in these tissues is crucial for their function and integrity. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of MMPs in the periodontium and their involvement in periodontitis. The ECM is a dynamic structure that is constantly being remodeled, and MMPs are key players in this process. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of MMPs in the periodontium to develop effective treatments for periodontitis. The role of MMPs in the periodontium is complex, and their activity is tightly regulated to maintain tissue homeostMatrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial proteolytic enzymes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), playing a key role in tissue turnover and homeostasis. In the periodontium, a complex network of connective tissues, MMPs are involved in maintaining the structural integrity of the ECM. However, during periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, MMP activity is significantly increased, leading to the degradation of ECM components and irreversible loss of periodontal tissues. MMPs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing, tissue remodeling, and cancer progression. They are also implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, where their overactivity contributes to the destruction of the periodontium. MMP activity is regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and other factors. The ECM in the periodontium consists of collagens, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and other proteins, which provide structural and biochemical support to the tissues. MMPs, along with bacterial proteases, play a significant role in the breakdown of the periodontium during inflammation. Understanding the role of MMPs in the periodontium is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to treat periodontitis. The review highlights the importance of MMPs in both physiological and pathological processes, emphasizing their role in the development and progression of periodontitis. The ECM is a dynamic structure that is constantly remodeled, and MMPs are key players in this process. The balance between MMP activity and TIMP inhibition is crucial for maintaining periodontal health. Dysregulation of MMP activity can lead to severe tissue damage and disease progression. The review also discusses the various types of MMPs, their structure, and their regulation. The role of MMPs in the oral cavity, including their involvement in odontogenesis, dental caries, pulpitis, and oral cancer, is also highlighted. The review underscores the importance of MMPs in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and their potential as therapeutic targets. The ECM in the periodontium is composed of various components, including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the tissues. The periodontium consists of four main components: gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. The ECM in these tissues is crucial for their function and integrity. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of MMPs in the periodontium and their involvement in periodontitis. The ECM is a dynamic structure that is constantly being remodeled, and MMPs are key players in this process. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of MMPs in the periodontium to develop effective treatments for periodontitis. The role of MMPs in the periodontium is complex, and their activity is tightly regulated to maintain tissue homeost