The Impact of Periodontal Disease on Systemic Health: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review explores the impact of periodontal disease on systemic health, examining its associations with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory disorders, pregnancy complications, autoimmune diseases, and other emerging conditions. This study employs a descriptive analysis method to synthesize recent literature on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic conditions. A comprehensive search was conducted using scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the systemic effects of periodontal disease, with a particular emphasis on biological mechanisms, clinical implications, and interdisciplinary management approaches. The analysis categorizes findings based on key systemic conditions, highlighting the role of chronic inflammation, microbial dissemination, and immune dysregulation in linking periodontal disease to systemic disorders. Periodontal disease is strongly associated with systemic inflammation and chronic conditions, contributing to cardiovascular diseases through endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis, diabetes through impaired glycemic control, and respiratory disorders through bacterial aspiration and inflammatory responses. Pregnant women with periodontitis face an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight due to inflammatory mediators influencing fetal development. Autoimmune disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, share pathogenic pathways with periodontitis, with microbial citrullination playing a significant role. Additionally, links to kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic syndrome further emphasize the widespread systemic implications of periodontal inflammation. Effective periodontal therapy has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation and improve disease outcomes, underscoring the importance of early screening and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. The growing evidence of the oral-systemic connection highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches that prioritize periodontal health as a component of chronic disease prevention and management. Future research should focus on establishing causal relationships and developing personalized treatment strategies to mitigate the systemic impact of periodontal disease.