Chronic Periodontitis: the hidden pandemic?
Periodontitis (gum disease) is one of the most prevalence chronic conditions in Australia and worldwide (30-35%). It is caused by dental plaque biofilm accumulation and the resultant host immune response which results in gingival inflammation, destruction of periodontal tissues and loss of tooth bone support. Numerous studies have shown chronic periodontitis to be associated with chronic systemic conditions, e.g. obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory conditions, in particular, inhalation pneumonia. Chronic periodontitis produces the sign/symptoms of inflammation such as red and bleeding gums and pain/discomfort, as well as food traps, tooth mobility/loss that impact on peoples’ functional, psychological, physical and social quality of life and well-being. Yet, chronic periodontitis lies way down on the World Health Organization’s hierarchy of chronic diseases. Social determinants are linked to both chronic periodontitis and chronic systemic diseases. They include age, gender, education level, lifestyle factors including tobacco and alcohol use, stress, access to oral and general health services, having dental/health insurance, dental visiting and oral hygiene behaviours, and whether the person has a job.
We do not know what causes the link between periodontitis and systemic disease. Cross-sectional studies show a link between obesity and chronic periodontitis. Hence we aim to find the missing link between the two, focusing on malnutrition, systemic inflammation and social determinants of health. The research plan has two stages: Stage 1 involves analysing Queensland/ NSW data from the National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2004-06 which has 1,997 participants and over 300 variables to find confounders associated with both obesity and periodontitis. Stage 2 will be a cohort study using NSAOH 2017 data. This project will help develop better preventive common risk factor approaches in association with public health physicians, scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals to prevent both periodontitis and systemic diseases.
History
Publication title
3 minute thesis presentationDepartment/School
School of Health SciencesEvent title
3 minute thesis presentationEvent Venue
Hobart, TasmaniaDate of Event (Start Date)
2017-01-01Date of Event (End Date)
2017-01-01Repository Status
- Restricted