The oral cavity is the main gateway for infection to enter the human body. With inhaled air and food, a huge number of different microorganisms, including pathogens, are deposited on the mucous membrane. Most currently known AMPs have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, acting against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and some viruses. In addition, convincing evidence has been obtained that a number of AMPs have anticarcinogenic activity, as well as immunomodulators. The article examines in detail the biochemical and immunological features of antimicrobial peptides in the oral cavity. Due to the fact that oral AMPs are diverse and act on microorganisms very quickly, the likelihood of developing resistance to them is quite small. This gives hope that AMPs can be used to produce antimicrobials, resistance to which develops very slowly. Therefore, it is proposed to use AMPs with antiviral and antifungal activity in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients, for the prevention and treatment of candidiasis and herpetic gingivostomatitis. The use of AMP for the prevention and treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis seems promising.     

AMP, mucous membrane, immunological and biochemical functions, α- and β-defensins, cathelicidins, salivary glands.

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