Entropy and Pathology with Special Reference to Oral and Dental Conditions: Report from Russia

Jargin SV

Published on: 2025-12-13

Abstract

The second law of thermodynamics originated from physics but has been extrapolated to informatics, biology, sociology and human pathology. One of the formulations is that entropy of an isolated system never diminishes. The value of entropy is proportional to the probability of a given state of the system. Without creative intervention, an isolated system would evolve from a less probable towards a more probable state, from complex to simple: equalizing of temperature and pressure, decomposition of intricate structures, mixing, scattering and degeneration. Being statistical, the principle of entropy increase does not exclude fluctuations; however, across longer periods, an isolated system would evolve towards the maximum of entropy. With regard to human pathology, the concept can be illustrated by reference to oral and dental conditions thanks to their visibility. Destruction of teeth due to caries and/or accelerated restoration cycle, progressive gingival atrophy and recession are discussed and illustrated here as examples. In conclusion, entering the tooth restorative cycle must be avoided as long as reasonably possible. Conservative treatment of gingival recession should be seen within the framework of minimally invasive periodontal therapy, aimed at preservation of atrophic tissues. An economical re-routing of some dental practices is needed, so that they survive using preventive and minimally invasive methods more extensively.