Chronic periodontitis, dantamoolaroga, indicates chronic systemic inflammation and reduces longevity.

Abstract

A narrative review of chronic periodontitis, a dysfunctional inflammatory disease of the gums finds it is linked to over 60 systemic diseases and has been shown to reduce lifespan. Termed dantamoolaroga in Ayurvedic medicine, the causative vitiated doshas for the 17 types of dantamoolaroga have been described and give leads as to systemic imbalances behind the diseases. By improving periodontal (gum) health, improvements in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and other chronic inflammatory markers have been shown. Systemic chronic inflammation is the underlying cause of non-communicable diseases, including periodontitis, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory, diabetes and metabolic diseases, cancer and others, now contributing over 70% of worldwide deaths. It is found that oral health reflects systemic health and provides a window into general health. As personalised medicine is being developed to assess the multiple pathophysiological factors underlying systemic chronic inflammation, it is noted that Ayurveda has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis with the 10 fold assessment (Dashavidha Praiksha) and eight fold examinations (Astasthana Pariksha) being considered the original personalised medicine. There are Ayurvedic clinical correlates and causes of systemic chronic inflammation assisting clinical evaluation and treatment planning. Ayurvedic diagnostic measures for general health and periodontal health need validation in today's terms to strengthen the scientific credentials and enable better clinical use of both systems in an integrative manner. Inclusion of clinical assessment of periodontal health status at consultation, particularly for any chronic disease, is strongly recommended to gain insight into a widespread systemic chronic inflammation marker. The multiple Ayurvedic clinical measures for chronic inflammation provides potential for lines of research that complement the current molecular based approaches.