NLRP3 and periodontitis: The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key regulator of innate immunity, mediating the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) and the pyroptosis-inducing protein gasdermin D. Dysregulated or excessive activation of NLRP3 contributes to the initiation and progression of major oral diseases, including periodontitis, peri-implantitis, pulpitis, and oral mucosal inflammation.