Systematic Review: Stem cell populations in healthy young dental pulp and periodontal tissues: status, niches and regenerative potential

The oral cavity is a rich reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) being two of the most pivotal populations for regenerative dentistry. Although both share a neural crest origin and fulfil fundamental MSC criteria, they inhabit starkly different anatomical and functional niches, which dictate their unique molecular signatures, proliferative dynamics, and regenerative functions. This systematic review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of DPSCs and PDLSCs derived from healthy young teeth, synthesizing evidence from recent high-resolution transcriptomic studies, in vitro functional assays, and in vivo regenerative models. We meticulously delineate their defining biological properties—including clonogenicity, multipotency, and marker expression—and explore the profound influence of their native microenvironments: the hypoxic, neurovascular pulp core versus the biomechanically active periodontal ligament space. Understanding these intrinsic differences is paramount for developing targeted and effective clinical strategies to regenerate the dentin-pulp complex and the entire periodontal apparatus.