Effects of periodontal disease on systemic health

About one in two adults in the United States has periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis is an oral disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth leading to progressive loss of the attachment apparatus and bone around teeth. It is characterized by gingival pocket formation and/or gingival recession. The disease is initiated by bacteria and their components like lipopolysaccharide and causes a heightened host inflammatory response. This cascade of inflammatory response ultimately leads to an increased osteoclastic activity and bone loss. Individuals with periodontitis have increased systemic levels of acute phase proteins, plasma antibody levels, coagulation factor, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, C reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines such as INF- gamma (Interferon gamma), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis Factor- Alpha), IL (Interleukin)-1β, IL-2 and IL-6. As periodontitis works on the same chronic inflammation model seen in systemic diseases, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a bi-directional link between the two. This article summarizes the established associations between periodontal disease and systemic health.