Periodontal disease: an overview for medical practitioners

In recent years, many new study reports have linked poor oral health to poor general health. Oral health is fundamental to overall health, well-being and quality of life. It goes far beyond having sound white teeth and no cavities. Periodontitis is one of the most ubiquitous diseases and is characterized by the destruction of connective tissue and dental bone support after an inflammatory host response secondary to infection by periodontal bacteria. Severe periodontitis, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 5-20% of most adult populations worldwide. Scientific evidence has emerged in the field of periodontology linking periodontitis to a person's overall health. Medical practitioners could play a pivotal role in the promotion of oral health. Most medical practitioners do not know general health periodontitis implications, are not trained to diagnose periodontal disease, and are not sensitised to refer high-risk patients to the dental practitioners. Early detection and carefully managed therapeutics with the medical and dental practitioners working hand-in-hand may prove beneficial to the patient's general health and quality of life. This article will review risk factors for developing periodontal diseases as well as a brief overview of variety medical conditions that can develop if the patient has pre-existing periodontal disease, which might be useful for medical practitioners.