Long-term conditions and periodontitis

On 02/02/2026

Links between periodontitis and systemic diseases

Recent studies show a link between periodontitis and the development of systemic pathologies: metabolic, cardiovascular, rheumatic.

Periodontitis appears to alter a patient's susceptibility to developing systemic disease through two mechanisms:

A focal infection (the spread of a localized dental infection to a distant part of the body) due to the dissemination of bacteria into the bloodstream,
An increase in the level of pro-inflammatory mediators at both the local and systemic levels.

The 6 long-term illnesses covered by periodontal care reimbursement:

Cardiovascular diseases:

Multifactorial chronic conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
3.9 million deaths per year in Europe.
Common risk factors for periodontitis: Smoking, stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension.
Infectious and bleeding risks.

Immune Deficiencies and HIV:

Diabetes:

An endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia.
6% of the population.
Common risk factors for periodontitis: Obesity, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle.
Infectious and hypoglycemic risk.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Ankylosing spondylitis: