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 four 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 mediators might be possible in disease process.

Inclusion Criteria:Hypertensive patients with at least 5 years of followup were included in the hypertension group.Exclusion Criteria:Hypertension patients treated with antihypertensive drugs known to cause gingival overgrowth were excluded from the study.Other exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, CVD and drugs usage other than antihypertensive drugs.