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Periodontal disease and its association with systemic disease
E B Fowler1, L G Breault, M F Cuenin
1DENTAC Fort Lewis, Washington, USA.
Military Medicine
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Periodontal diseases, like periodontitis, are linked to systemic health issues. This bidirectional relationship highlights the importance of oral health in preventing conditions such as preterm birth and cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Oral health and Periodontology
- Systemic disease interrelationships
- Inflammatory response mechanisms
Background:
- Periodontal diseases involve inflammation and destruction of tooth-supporting tissues.
- Historically, the systemic disease-periodontal disease link was considered unidirectional.
- Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between oral and systemic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health.
- To emphasize the role of local and systemic inflammatory responses in periodontal disease.
- To advocate for improved communication between physicians and periodontists in military healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent case-control and cross-sectional studies.
- Analysis of documented risk factors for periodontitis.
- Synthesis of evidence on the association between periodontitis and systemic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis may increase the risk of preterm low birth weight by 7-fold.
- Periodontitis is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Periodontal disease involves both local and systemic inflammatory host responses.
Conclusions:
- The connection between periodontal disease and systemic health is increasingly recognized.
- Understanding these interrelationships is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies.
- Enhanced communication between medical and dental professionals can improve patient outcomes and prevent systemic diseases.