MMP8 and periodontitis: Periodontitis reflects a localized immune response within the periodontal environment, immune mediators contribute to periodontal repair, with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) potentially protective [40, 41], and vitamin D linked to better oral outcomes and lower inflammation (CRP) [42], while the inflammatory cytokines like IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, MMP‐8 and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) are involved in alveolar bone loss and connective tissue degradation in periodontitis [43].