Chronic Periodontitis: the hidden pandemic?

Chronic periodontitis is one of the most prevalence chronic condition worldwide, with a prevalence of 30-35%. It is a consequence of dental plaque biofilm accumulation across the gingival crevices and host immune response resulting in gingival inflammation, destruction of periodontal tissues and loss of bone support. Epidemiological/Observational and intervention studies have reported various systemic diseases to be associated with chronic periodontitis, which includes diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. Also, chronic periodontitis produces sign/symptoms of inflammation, bleeding gums, food impaction and mobility of tooth that may have an impact on functional, psychological, physical and social impact on the quality of life. Having known the risk of periodontitis and increased impact of chronic diseases on oral health, chronic periodontitis lies way down on the hierarchy of chronic diseases. These social determinants include aging, gender, level of education, lifestyle factors (tobacco and alcohol use), stress, access to oral health services, dental insurance, dental visits, tooth brushing and employability of an individual. In Australia, almost every 3 out of 10 adults suffer from chronic periodontitis, which exposes them at risk to various systemic conditions. Also, there is a gap in knowledge on what could be a linking factor between chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases. Hence the current study has two aims i.e. (i) to determine if social determinants/systemic inflammation are a missing link between chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases and (ii) based on our findings of the first aim, we intend to develop intervention and preventive strategies towards reduction of these factors to lower the burden of periodontal disease and systemic conditions. The outcomes of this study could be useful in developing better common risk factor prevention approach together with dentist, public health scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals towards prevention of periodontitis and systemic diseases.