Abstract

KASSIER, SM. Periodontal disease and non-communicable diseases. Strength of bidirectional associations. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2016, vol.71, n.9, pp.404-409. ISSN 0375-1562.

Periodontal disease (PD), along with cardiovascular and circulatory disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease and obesity, are globally regarded as some of the major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The association between PD and these systemic illnesses is described as bidirectional. Gaining an understanding of the strength of the proposed associations between these diseases is important, as it will enable health professionals to identify common risk factors that will allow for synergistic prevention, diagnosis and management. To date, common preventive measures for NCDs include cessation of smoking, increased physical activity, healthy diets and sensible consumption of alcohol. Although risk factors such as smoking, inactivity, unhealthy diets and alcohol abuse are among the leading cause of tooth loss due to lifelong exposure, the prevalence of tooth loss is increasing in middle-income countries like South Africa. Hence the strength of the associations between PD and selected NCDs will be assessed, in order to generate guidelines for dental and other health professionals as well their patients to address the burden of disease associated with PD. Lastly, possible solutions to the problem will be addressed.

Keywords : periodontal disease; cardiovascular disease; diabetes mellitus; obesity; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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