RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Current understanding of the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 150
OP 158
DO 10.15537/smj.2015.2.9424
VO 36
IS 2
A1 Hani H. Mawardi
A1 Lena S. Elbadawi
A1 Stephen T. Sonis
YR 2015
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/36/2/150.abstract
AB Periodontal disease (PD) is among the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. While the burden of periodontal disease on oral health has been extensively investigated, a possible specific relationship between the disease and systemic health is a relatively new area of interest. More recently it has been suggested that PD has an etiological role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and preterm low-birth weight, among others. In this review, we critically evaluate the current knowledge on the relation between PD and systemic diseases overall, and specifically with cardiovascular diseases. The best available evidence today suggests that the infection and inflammatory reaction associated with PD may contribute toward systemic disease. It is critical that dentists and physicians are well informed of the potential general health impact of periodontal disease so that they are in a position to knowledgeably counsel patients.