1Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2Professor and Head, Department of Oral Pathology Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
3Final Year Postgraduate Student Department of Oral Pathology Faculty of Dental Sciences, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author Email: sbpatil1612@gmail.com
Online published on 18 January, 2019.
The interrelationship between oral & systemic health, has been a matter of debate since the controversial theory of focal infection by Dr. Miller. He stated that the oral pathogens had the capability to either directly enter or release their toxic products in to the systemic circulation. In the past a substantial part of focal infection was attributed to pulpal & periapical pathologies. The concept has evolved with considerable evidence linking periodontal status with systemic conditions including atherosclerosis, bacterial endocarditis, diabetes mellitus & respiratory disease. Extensive research on the complex relationship between oral & systemic health, has given rise to the emerging field of “Periodontal Medicine”. Currently, we have reached a point at which experimental studies have shown a significant improvement in systemic health following regimental maintenance of oral health. Since oral health has a significant influence over the final prognosis of a number of systemic disorders, it is essential that we understand the underlying pathophysiology linking oral to systemic health.
