The effect of initial treatment of periodontitis on systemic markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk: a randomized controlled trial

Observational studies indicate that chronic periodontal disease is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether initial periodontal treatment has a beneficial effect on systemic markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. One hundred and thirty-six adults with chronic periodontitis were allocated to either intervention or control groups in a 3-month randomized controlled intervention study. The intervention group received initial periodontal treatment, whereas the control group did not receive that treatment until after the study. Blood levels of cardiovascular risk factors, and of hematological, inflammatory, and metabolic markers, were measured at the beginning and the end of the study, and differences were calculated. Fibrinogen level was the primary outcome measure. Data for 61 persons in the intervention group and for 64 persons in the control group were available for statistical analysis. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a non-significant trend for a lower fibrinogen level. Significant increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit were seen after treatment, showing that initial periodontal treatment, a relatively simple and cost-effective intervention, has systemic effects.