Awareness of Physicians about the Relationship of Periodontal Diseases and Systemic Conditions in Nashik District: A Questionnaire Study

Introduction: Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory illness affecting teeth, leading to tooth loss and recession. It is a major public health concern, affecting diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. Medical professionals should prioritise treating periodontitis to improve systemic illnesses, as it significantly impacts overall health. Materials and Methods: A self-structured questionnaire pilot study consisting of 13 questions was conducted to evaluate the awareness of physicians regarding the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions. A total of 179 physicians participated, and the data were then put to statistical analysis. Results: On performing descriptive statistics, the majority of the physicians (95.5%) knew there was some relationship between periodontitis and general body health, while 88.8% of physicians examined the oral cavity of a patient upon examining general body health. Further, 95% of physicians referred them to a dentist when they found an abnormality. Conclusion: This study denotes significant awareness regarding periodontal and systemic interrelationships among physicians of Nashik district but demands more targeted efforts in some regions of this two-way relationship.