Relationships between oral and systemic health.

Oral and systemic health cannot be separated. This article addresses some established and emerging relationships that highlight the association between systemic and oral health. The physician's role requires an understanding of the effects of disease and its treatment on oral health. Also, physicians should be able to identify abnormality in the oral cavity that might be attributable to disease or be a compromising factor in the health, growth and development, or functioning of children and make a referral. Cooperation between dentist and physician can mean good overall health for children, including oral health.