Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health

Abstract

Abstract This submission is part of AAMC/ADEA project, Building Oral Health Capacity in Medical Curriculum. This resource is designed to provide the learner about oral specifically periodontal health and how it relates to systemic health. Through clinical pictures and radiographs, this resource will enable the learners to recognize signs of inflammation and periodontal disease and be able to compare and contrast between health state and disease state. It will also familiarize the learners of the adverse effect of commonly prescribed medications. Risk Assessment form will help learners to identify patients at risk of periodontal disease. This resource will also will present some of the studies that found potential correlation between periodontal disease and systemic health. Prevention of periodontal disease is presented through three videos, showing a dentist performing a periodontal exam and oral hygiene instructions. Resources provided in this publication facilitate referral process to dental professionals. Interactive Quizzes are included to help the learners to test the knowledge obtained through this presentation. Periodontal disease is a common preventable inflammatory disease triggered by microorganisms. Oral health exam is an integral part of systemic health yet it is often overlooked by physicians. Periodontal disease can affect and be affected by systemic diseases. Emerging evidence has found correlation between periodontal disease, being a source of infection and inflammation, and systemic diseases such as diabetes, preterm labor, smoking and cardiovascular diseases. Although some of these studies have shown strong correlations, other studies did not find any association at all. This presentation will present studies representing both kinds of studies. This resource hopefully will be an initiative for including oral health in medical education curriculum as an inseparable part of the human body. This resource will raise awareness amongst health care professionals to hopefully include a simple oral exam in their physical exam. This will help identify potential dental and health problems. Resources in this submission will help them assess the risk and provide referral information for their patients. Videos included will familiarize the learner with periodontal exams and proper Oral hygiene practices, considered a preventive public health measure. This submission will enhance collaboration between health care providers and so treat the patient as a whole, enhancing overall individual and public health.

Keywords

• Building Oral Health Capacity (BOHC) Collection
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Risk Assessment
• Inflammation
• Oral Health