The Relationship Between Periodontitis and Hepatitis C

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 3% of the global population. The liver plays an important role in the balance of the immune system, so hepatitis C can cause disturbances in this system. These changes also manifest orally, making hepatitis C patients more susceptible to inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, such as periodontitis. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C, the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and the relationship between the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C and periodontitis. Methods: This study was conducted using a literature review method with Google Scholar as the database. Results: HCV infection causes a decline in the oral health of infected patients. Increased levels of IL-1α and IL-1β, which have significant implications in the pathogenic processes of periodontitis and chronic hepatitis C. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis C and periodontitis have a two-way relationship that influences each other. The inflammatory process is the key underlying the relationship between the two.