| Periodontal disease as a modifiable risk factor for systemic health: mechanisms and clinical implications |
| Paper ID : 1246-IGA |
| Authors |
|
Dion Haliti * University of Prishtina, Faculty of Medicine, Prishtina, Kosovo |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, is increasingly recognized as an important cause of the development and progression of systemic diseases. In addition to local effects in the oral cavity, periodontitis can also affect other organ systems, causing systemic inflammation and transient bacteremia. Materials and Method: The results of epidemiological randomized controlled, and mechanistic research examining the relationship between systemic diseases—specifically, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes—and periodontal health are integrated in this narrative review. Molecular processes include the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, immune pathway activation, and the systemic transmission of oral infections is of special interest. Results: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are examples of markers of systemic inflammation that, according to one study, are consistently associated with periodontitis. These indicators are associated with a prothrombotic state, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. In particular, interventional studies have shown that nonsurgical periodontal therapy improves indices of systemic health, for example by reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes and improving endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The complex relationship between systemic and periodontal health is mediated by well-defined immunological and inflammatory processes. The identification of periodontitis as a modifiable risk factor creates new opportunities for preventive measures that should improve overall health. Integrating periodontal assessment into the overall management of systemic diseases requires effective collaboration between dentists and medical specialists. |
| Keywords |
| Periodontitis, IL-1β, IL-6, CRP, HbA1c, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, oral-systemic health, interdisciplinary care |
| Status: Accepted |
