Background: periodontal infection is considered a subclinical inflammation in which is observed association with elevated levels of C-reactive protein and increased risk of systemic inflammatory diseases. Objective: to assess the level of information of general practitioners on the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, and periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Methods: a survey was conducted to 37 general practitioners at two public hospitals of first level, in two cities from Colombia. The structured survey was asked about knowledge and usual practices of physicians in general consultation in relation to anamnesis, clinical examination and the most frequent recommendations to patients. Results: the majority of the surveyed individuals reported knowledge of the relationship between periodontal and cardiovascular disease and diabetes, however, only 37,8 % carry out a report in the patient's medical history while the 46 % made referrals to odontology. Additionally, it was observed a less knowledge about the relationship between the therapeutic management of diabetes and the severity of periodontal disease in physicians with less than five years of professional experience.