Abstract
Investigations have definitely acknowledged a clinically relevant two-way relationship between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases and conditions, which are significant for the dentist in the daily practice and for a physician as well. This review article yields the most up-to-date information on the role of periodontal diseases in systemic diseases, that include cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes. It debates the role of diabetes and smoking in the periodontal tissues.