Lahore, One out of five heart patients can reduce risk of another attack by controlling gum disease. In the first research from Asia by Dr. S. Akhtar Hussain Bokhari under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ayyaz ali khan, Prof. Mohammad Azhar, Prof. Mateen Izhar, Prof. Mohammad Hanif, results show that healthy gums reduce risk of heart disease by 18%. This study, conducted at Punjab institute of cardiology, Lahore was supported by Higher Education Commission, Government of Pakistan. On the basis of this research, Dr. Bokhari has been awarded PhD by University of the Punjab and he has become the first PhD graduate in dentistry in the history of Punjab University. This study is the first one in Asia to explore effect of gum disease on risk of coronary heart disease. This research is going to be published in journal of clinical periodontology, a first ranking dental journal internationally. Dr. Bokhari has published five studies on relationship of gum disease and heart diseases.

In an interview, Dr Bokhari told that the oral cavity is a distinctive region of the body that, as a result of being exposed to the harsh oral environment, is subject to a distinctive set of conditions and diseases, many of which are unique to this area. Furthermore, the effect of disease in the oral cavity can have significant impact on the overall health of the individuals. Scientific literature shows that world is facing epidemic of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. These are the leading cause of death in every region of the world. It is predicted that these diseases will be causing seven out of every 10 deaths in developing countries by 2020 and 60% of all mortality will be attributable to these diseases. Next decades will see dramatic changes in health needs of poor and developing countries. In view of the estimates of the growing burden of these diseases on the lives of poor people, its recognition and importance is enhanced.

Oral diseases are included among the chronic diseases and oral health is recognized much more than healthy teeth as “mouth is a mirror of health or disease, a sentinel or early warning system, an accessible model for the study of other tissues and organs and as a potential source of pathology affecting other systems and organs”.

Oral and systemic connections are not new and two hundred possible associations between systemic conditions and oral manifestations are reported in literature as “infections in mouth can cause damage elsewhere in the body” Relationship of poor oral health mainly due to periodontal diseases and/or tooth loss and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, diabetes, pregnancy outcomes, and all –cause mortality have become a constant issue of discussion in current scientific literature. Epidemiological and clinical evidence supports relationship of oral infections with chronic systemic diseases.

In this context, role of dental profession in prevention and control of chronic systemic diseases need to be acknowledged and dental practitioners should have a key role to play in the fight against chronic diseases in developing countries.