Interaction between hypertension and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

The possible association between hypertension and periodontitis and the effect of hypertension on periodontal treatment were investigated by evaluating salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin (IL)-6 and C reactive protein (CRP) levels.

METHODS

Forty-two healthy individuals without any previously diagnosed systemic disease [10 periodontally healthy (control) and 10 periodontitis (CP)] and subjects with hypertension [13 periodontally healthy (HP) and 9 with periodontitis (CP + HP)] participated in the study. GCF and saliva samples were obtained at baseline and 4 weeks after Phase I periodontal treatment. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using ELISA.

RESULTS

Before the periodontal treatment, significantly higher GCF IL-6 and CRP levels were detected in CP + HP and CP groups compared to HP and control groups (p < 0.01). Salivary CRP level in CP + HP group was found to be higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant gingival and plaque index measurements (p < 0.01) might suggest a possible effect of hypertension on periodontal status. Periodontal treatment significantly improved the clinical indices; however, biochemical parameters did not change after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The association of hypertension with periodontitis through local salivary and GCF inflammatory mediators might be possible in disease process.