Association between Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases

Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, United States of America

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and periodontal tissues. It is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults, affecting more than half of the world's adults to varying degrees, and has become a major public health issue. Increasing evidence suggests that periodontal disease is closely linked to systemic health. Pathogenic bacteria and their toxins can enter the bloodstream, it induces a low-grade inflammatory state, leading to the occurrence and development of various systemic diseases. For instance, in cardiovascular health, periodontal inflammation may damage endothelial function and promote atherosclerosis. In metabolic regulation, proinflammatory mediators impair insulin signalling, thereby worsening glycemic control in diabetes. In pregnancy, microbial invasion and inflammatory mediators may disrupt placental function, increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Although conventional periodontal therapy can improve local outcomes, it may not completely alleviate systemic effects. This review aims to summarize the recent evidence on the link between periodontal disease and systemic health, focusing on mechanisms and potential strategies for prevention and clinical management.