Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:47
Isolation, Processing and Analysis of Murine Gingival Cells
Published on: July 2, 2013
Periodontitis: from local infection to systemic diseases
F D'Aiuto1, F Graziani, S Tetè
1Periodontology Unit, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.
Summary
Periodontitis, a common gum disease, can trigger widespread inflammation affecting overall health. This review explores how oral infections may link to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Periodontology
- Systemic Inflammation
Background:
- Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic infectious disease causing progressive tooth-supporting tissue loss.
- It involves a gram-negative infection and an exaggerated host inflammatory response, leading to gingival damage.
- Emerging evidence links periodontitis to systemic consequences beyond the oral cavity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological processes of periodontitis.
- To examine the evidence supporting the association between periodontitis and systemic diseases.
- To discuss potential mechanisms linking oral inflammation to systemic health issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathophysiological processes in periodontitis.
- Synthesis of existing research on periodontitis and systemic disease associations.
- Exploration of proposed mechanisms for systemic inflammation originating from periodontitis.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis is associated with a moderate systemic inflammatory response.
- This oral condition may act as a source of low-grade systemic inflammation.
- The review highlights potential links to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Periodontitis has implications extending beyond oral health.
- It may contribute to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of various chronic diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms connecting periodontitis and systemic health.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:25Colonisation of Pathogens
Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
01:25Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...