This course examines the evidence surrounding
various systemic diseases and their interrelation with
periodontitis. The course begins with a historical
view of the focal theory of infection. Next, the seven
study designs and the strength of evidence with
each design are discussed. The reader is given some
guidelines to use when evaluating studies. Finally,
these systemic diseases and their association to
periodontitis are discussed: cardiovascular disease,
diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, pregnancy
factors, prostate cancer treatment, osteoporosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, and head and neck cancer.