Periodontitis and systemic diseases: insights into the correlation, mechanisms, and clinical implications

Periodontitis is a chronic oral infectious inflammatory disease caused by dental plaque, affecting approximately 35% - 50% of adults globally. Far from a localized oral condition, it exerts systemic pathogenic effects through multiple biological conduits. This review synthesizes current evidence on the bidirectional associations between periodontitis and a broad spectrum of systemic disorders, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), respiratory diseases, preterm birth, Alzheimer's disease (AD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning these associations, with emphasis on bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress pathways. The concluding remarks underscore the critical importance of preserving optimal periodontal health as a cornerstone of systemic wellbeing.