Role of Periodontal Disease on Systemic Health

Periodontal medicine is a term used for different purposes in different parts of the world. In certain countries, it relates to the study of the dynamic relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions [1]. During the past 15 years, a large body of literature has identified oral/periodontal infection and inflammation as a risk factor for the development and/or severity of certain systemic diseases and disorders. Many studies have been focused on the influence of periodontal disease on diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, adverse birth outcomes and respiratory diseases. Other associations have been reported (e.g. dementia, chronic kidney disease and certain forms of cancer), but the literature on these topics is not robust [2-4].