Oral Pathology and Systemic Diseases

Pathology and Oral Pathology

• Pathology is the study of disease, while oral pathology focuses specifically on diseases within the oral cavity.
• Systemic and infectious diseases often exhibit oral manifestations, highlighting the importance of oral health in overall bodily health.

Periodontal Medicine

• Introduced as a result of observations connecting oral infections to systemic diseases approximately a decade ago.
• Emphasizes the relationship between periodontal health and overall health.

Periodontitis

• Linked to more than 50 systemic diseases and conditions, underscoring its significance beyond oral health.
• Untreated periodontal disease can lead to symptoms like bleeding gums and potentially enter the bloodstream, heightening the risk of systemic conditions.

Disease Terminology

• Sign: Observable indicators of a disease as noted by a clinician.
• Symptom: Patient-reported feelings or experiences related to their condition.
• Diagnosis: Determination of a disease's nature or circumstances based on collected clinical data.
• Prognosis: Prediction regarding the likely outcome or course of a disease.
• Etiology: Investigation into the cause behind a disease's occurrence.
• Epidemiology: Study examining factors that impact disease distribution within populations.
• Pathogenesis: Detailed process delineating how a disease develops over time.

Making a Diagnosis

• Involves clinical judgment regarding the nature and circumstances surrounding a disease or condition, integrating signs, symptoms, and medical history.