Periodontal disease and its association with systemic disease

Periodontal diseases are oral disorders characterized by inflammation of th e supporting tissues of the teeth. Usually, periodontitis is a progressivel y destructive loss of bone and periodontal ligament (loss of the attachment apparatus of the teeth). Periodontitis has documented risk factors, includ ing but not limited to specific plaque bacteria, smoking, and diabetes mell itus. Initially, the link between systemic disease and periodontal diseases was thought to be unidirectional, Currently, there is increasing evidence that the relationship between these entities may be bidirectional. Recent c ase-control and cross-sectional studies indicate that periodontitis may con fer a 7-fold increase in risk for preterm low birth weight infants and a 2- fold increase in risk for cardiovascular disease. These early reports indic ate the potential association between systemic and oral health. Additionall y, these studies support the central hypothesis that periodontal disease in volves both a local and a systemic host inflammatory response. This knowled ge of disease interrelationships may prove vital in intervention strategies to reduce patient risks and prevent systemic disease outcomes. Based on th e current evidence of the periodontal-systemic disease connection, the purp ose of this report is to help establish the groundwork for closer communica tion between physicians and periodontists in the military health care setti ng.