CPT Nutrition & Systemic Health Connections Flashcards

Which systemic condition is most strongly associated with increased severity of periodontal disease?

Answer: Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus has the strongest bidirectional relationship with periodontal disease, with poor glycemic control worsening periodontal outcomes and vice versa.

Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) affects periodontal tissues by:

Answer: Impairing collagen synthesis and causing gingival bleeding

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; deficiency leads to impaired connective tissue integrity, gingival bleeding, and poor wound healing.

The proposed link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease involves:

Answer: Systemic inflammation and bacteremia from periodontal pathogens

Periodontal pathogens enter the bloodstream causing bacteremia, and chronic periodontal inflammation contributes to systemic inflammatory burden linked to cardiovascular disease.

Which dietary component promotes both dental caries and indirectly affects periodontal health by supporting pathogenic biofilms?

Answer: Fermentable carbohydrates (sugars)

Fermentable carbohydrates promote bacterial growth and plaque accumulation, contributing to both caries development and periodontal inflammation.

A patient with uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease should be counseled that:

Answer: Treating periodontitis may help improve glycemic control (lower HbA1c)

Evidence suggests that successful periodontal treatment can improve glycemic control in diabetic patients, demonstrating the bidirectional relationship.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered beneficial for periodontal health because they:

Answer: Have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce periodontal inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help modulate the host inflammatory response in periodontal disease.