Association of Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases

Aim: To determine the frequency of periodontitis in patients with systemic diseases admitted in the hospital. Method: This cross sectional study consists of a total of 450 patients. The data was obtained from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Capital Development Authority, Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. The patients in the study were suffering from diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders (with and without diabetes mellitus), respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, hepatic disorders, renal disorders, bone/joint disorders and hypertension. Periodontal status was examined with the help of sterilized dental mirror, periodontal probe, wooden tongue depressor and torch. Results: Systemic diseases negatively impacting periodontal status are listed in the descending order of severity: Diabetes mellitus+cardiovascular disease> Diabetes mellitus> Cardiovascular disease> Bone/joint disorders> Renal p roblems> Hypertension> Hepatic disease> Gastrointestinal disorders> Respiratory problems. In terms of periodontitis, 37% of population experienced mild periodontitis, 28% had aggressive periodontitis, 27% had moderate periodontitis while 8% had gingivitis. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the association between systemic illnesses and development of severe periodontitis. This implies that improvement of oral health can lead to betterment of the systemic health which will lead to better quality of life for the patient. Therefore we recommend collaboration between dentists and medical physicians through which focus on prevention and treatment of oral as well as systemic health can be achieved