Your patients’ periodontal health is part of their systemic health.
Gum health is the missing link — and it too often goes unchecked.
“Our goal here is to ‘put the mouth back in the body.’”
— Dr. Paul Levi, founding donor, quoting the late Dr. Bruce Donoff, a dentist and physician who served as dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine for 28 years
The evidence is mounting
The awareness gap
What it means for patients
Consider. Look. Refer.
Consider the risk
Patients with systemic conditions linked to periodontal disease — such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease — are at increased risk of periodontal disease and should be evaluated for periodontal treatment.
Look for warning signs
Ask your patients whether they’ve noticed:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Gum disease is often silent — symptoms may not appear until advanced stages.
Refer to a periodontist
Periodontists are the specialists in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.


Explore the evidence by condition.
“Compared with pregnant women without periodontitis, pregnant women with periodontitis had a doubled risk of preterm birth.”
“Periodontitis and tooth loss are associated with faster cognitive decline and higher dementia risk”
“Osteoporosis patients were more exposed to periodontitis (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.50–2.54).
Subgroup analyses showed that the higher risk of osteoporosis in periodontitis patients exists in both cross-sectional studies (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.80–2.61) and case–control studies (OR 2.63; 95% CI, 1.69–4.09).”
“Patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 show higher peri-implantitis rates at any given time point following implant placement.”
“Cancer risk, especially for lung and colorectal cancer, is elevated in individuals with periodontitis.”
“periodontitis contributes to an enhanced risk of head and neck cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancer, with Fusobacterium nucleatum functioning as a potential intermediary.”
Education for physicians and care teams.
Future Horizons in Periodontology
Robert J. Genco Perio-Systemic Symposium: Fighting the Fire of Inflammation: Novel Strategies for Host Modulation in Clinical Therapy
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions – Day 1/3
Founded by clinicians who have spent their careers on prevention and integration.
Dr. Colin Richman
Patty and Dr. Paul Levi

From the LRII LinkedIn showcase page.