Introduction and Overview of the Systemic Effects of Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

There has been an exponential increase in the number of papers published within the past decade on the association between periodontal diseases and a range of seemingly non-related systemic diseases and conditions. These associations include but are not limited to: diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, preterm low birth weight infants, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease (all covered in this volume), some forms of cancer [1–4], and even erectile dysfunction [5]. When confronted with this wide array of diseases and conditions associated with periodontitis, one might ask if periodontitis contributes to the cause and progression of these conditions or whether these conditions contribute to periodontitis? Is the association due to a common underlying mechanism or mechanisms, or is the association merely due to the presence of confounding factors? And most importantly, can periodontal therapy decrease the risk or progression of these systemic diseases and conditions? Surprisingly, the answer to all five questions could be yes depending upon the disease or condition. Clearly what is needed by the practicing healthcare professional to remain abreast of this rapidly advancing and sometimes confusing field is a concise source that summarizes the current research on the association between periodontitis and systemic disease.