Abstract :
Background: Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions with well-established links to systemic health. Evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory infections, and hematologic disorders. Medical practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients with systemic illnesses, making their awareness of these interconnections critical for comprehensive patient care.Aim: This study aimed to assess the awareness among medical practitioners regarding the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases and to identify areas for strengthening interprofessional education.Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 107 medical practitioners working in government and private hospitals in Maharashtra, India. A structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising 19 multiple-choice questions was distributed electronically. Items assessed knowledge across four domains: foundational oral–systemic knowledge, risk factors and exposures, metabolic and cardiovascular links, and special populations and other systemic conditions. Data were analyzed descriptively, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages.Results: Awareness was high for foundational concepts and common risk factors such as smoking, nutrition, and medication effects. However, lower recognition was observed for bidirectional links between periodontal disease and diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy outcomes, respiratory infections, and hematologic manifestations. These findings highlight selective knowledge gaps that require targeted intervention.Conclusion: Although medical practitioners demonstrated satisfactory general awareness, critical gaps in specific domains persist. Strengthening medical curricula and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with dentistry are essential to improve holistic patient care and address the systemic implications of periodontal disease.
Keyword :
Periodontal disease, Systemic health, Medical practitioners, Awareness, Interdisciplinary collaboration