What is My Responsibility in Detecting Systemic Disease?
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2000 issue of the SAFECO Dental News. Permission to reprint this article was granted by SAFECO. At one time, the relief of pain and treatment of gross infections were the primary focus of dentistry. Then, techniques and knowledge grew, and dental caries and restorative dentistry became the key to successful practice. More recently came an awareness and understanding of periodontal disease. Terms like cytokines and metalloproteinase inhibitors are discussed as part of the medical management of periodontitis. Today, there is increasing recognition that oral health both affects and is affected by systemic disease. We know, for example, that one of the first clinical signs of AIDS can be hairy leukoplakia on the tongue. A panoramic radiograph revealing generalized bone loss may be a diagnostic indicator of osteoporosis. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that poor periodontal health can be associated with increased risk of cardio
