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Published on: December 1, 2014
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The systemic oral health connection: Biofilms
Gregori M Kurtzman1, Robert A Horowitz2,3, Richard Johnson4
1Private dental practice, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.
Medicine
|November 19, 2022
Summary
Oral biofilm, often overlooked in systemic disease, impacts overall health. Addressing oral health through physician-dentist collaboration can prevent or mitigate systemic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oral health and systemic medicine
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Oral biofilm in the periodontal sulcus can exist without overt clinical signs of periodontal disease.
- The patient's immune response dictates the reaction to oral bacteria and their byproducts.
- Emerging evidence links oral biofilm to the initiation or exacerbation of systemic conditions.
Approach:
- This article reviews the literature on the oral-systemic connection.
- It discusses the impact of oral biofilm on systemic health.
- It highlights the importance of a whole-body approach to patient care.
Key Points:
- Oral biofilm is implicated in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
- Coordination between physicians and dentists is crucial for managing oral biofilm.
- Eliminating oral biofilm can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Oral health is integral to systemic health.
- A symbiotic healthcare approach is necessary for optimal patient well-being.
- Further research into the oral-systemic link is warranted.
