Interactions between Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases

Interactions between Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases is organized by Baptist Health South Florida.

Course opens: 09/01/2022
Course expires: 08/31/2025

Overview:
Periodontitis is an immuno-inflammatory chronic disease of the supporting structures of the teeth, which eventually causes tooth loss. It results from complex interactions from dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and the immunologic reactions causing an inflammatory response destroying the bone that supports the teeth. It is estimated that nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. have some degree of periodontitis.

The microbial pathogens and inflammatory products associated with periodontitis spread into the vascular system and GI tract. Periodontitis, as one of the most common chronic diseases, is found to be associated with a wide variety of diseases, including diabetes/metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, GI disorders including IBD and Crohn’s, low birthweight and pre-term births, lower respiratory infections, worse outcomes with Covid-19, and many cancers including colon, pancreatic and some leukemias.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of interactions and pathologic mechanisms for exacerbation of these conditions. Recommendations for assessment, management and intervention will also be made.

Learning Objectives:
• Identify the pathogenesis of periodontitis and be able to question a patient regarding periodontal health status based on signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. 
• Discuss the common denominators of inflammation through many chronic diseases and how periodontitis can significantly elevate systemic inflammatory markers.
• Recognize how bacteremia from oral sources can seed periodontal pathogens to remote sites, causing pathology from the brain to vascular, cardiac, prosthetic and other structures. 
• Describe the relationship between oral dysbiosis and gut dysbiosis and associated disease processes.