title: Periodontal disease: Mechanisms of infection and inflammation and possible impact on miscellaneous systemic diseases and conditions.
abstract: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, resulting from a predominantly gram-negative microbial infection within the sub-gingival dental plaque biofilm. The resulting inflammatory response in the periodontal tissues may facilitate intravascular dissemination of micro-organisms and their products, throughout the body. The total surface area of this inflammatory field is estimated to be the size of the palm of the hand. A skin lesion of this size would prompt immediate medical intervention. However, the intra-oral (and similar-sized) infection is frequently ignored by health professionals, despite the fact that it may be associated with a range of systemic diseases/conditions.
authors.forename: G U
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Mohangi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh-Rambirich
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Volchansky
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000209:etiology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology