Asian Journal of Medicine and Health

The oral cavity might well be thought of as the window of the human body due to the extent of the inflammatory burden caused by periodontal disease. This can influence systemic diseases with a similar inflammatory pathology and vice versa, raising the relevance regarding periodontal and systemic health affecting each other. The interrelationship between periodontal disease and systemic health has been a matter of debate since ancient times. A theory of focal infection states that the oral pathogens had the capability to either directly enter or release their toxic products into the systemic circulation. Recent evidence reveals that we need to change our thought about the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Although bacteria are a necessary factor in the equation, the reaction of the host’s immuno-inflammatory system is responsible for most of the destruction found in periodontal disease. Thus, it makes sense that a number of environmental and acquired factors may modify a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease. Since oral health has a significant influence on the final prognosis of a number of systemic disorders, it is essential that we understand the underlying pathophysiology linking oral health to systemic health.