Objectives: 

• Evaluate emerging data on the link between periodontal disease and risk for various types of cancer
• Discuss the role of periodontitis, inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss on systemic health
• Understand the current scientific perspective on the association between heart disease and oral health
• Explain the link between other chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Chronic Liver disease, Kidney disease and oral health

Does having periodontal disease increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease? Multiple studies have found periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular disease. Recent findings in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that severe periodontal disease was associated with a 245 increased risk for cancer. This course will review current evidence on the link between oral and systemic health, and provide talking points for communicating this information to patients.