International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021120130224988994ENDepartments of Periodontics, Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, IndiaChatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, IndiaDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vinayaka Missions Sankarachariyar Dental College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, IndiaDepartment of Prosthodontics, Sardar Patel Post Graduate Institute of Medical and Dental Sciences Lucknow, IndiaDepartment of Prosthodontics, Sardar Patel Post Graduate Institute of Medical and Dental Sciences Lucknow, IndiaDepartments of Periodontics, Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, IndiaChatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, India20130224<p>Influence of systemic disorders on periodontal diseases is well established. However, of growing interest is the effect of periodontal diseases on numerous systemic diseases or conditions like cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, pre-term low birth weight babies, preeclampsia, respiratory infections and others including osteoporosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease, gastrointestinal disease, prostatitis, renal diseases, which has also been scientifically validated. This side of the oral-systemic link has been termed Periodontal Medicine and is potentially of great public health significance, as periodontal disease is largely preventable and in many instances readily treatable, hence, providing many new opportunities for preventing and improving prognosis of several systemic pathologic conditions. This review article highlights the importance of prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases as an essential part of preventive medicine to circumvent its deleterious effects on general health.</p> <strong>Keywords: </strong>Cardiovascular, oral-systemic, periodontal medicine, periodontitis, pre-term deliveryhttp://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/1081http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/1081/1158