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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Treatment of periodontitis and endothelial function
Maurizio S Tonetti1, Francesco D'Aiuto, Luigi Nibali
1Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA. maurizio.tonetti@ergoperio.eu
The New England Journal of Medicine
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Intensive periodontal treatment initially worsened systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. However, long-term benefits in oral health improved vascular function after six months.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Periodontology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Systemic inflammation can negatively impact vascular function.
- Epidemiological studies suggest a link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intensive periodontal treatment on endothelial function and systemic inflammation.
- To determine the relationship between periodontal health improvement and vascular function.
Main Methods:
- 120 patients with severe periodontitis were randomized to community-based or intensive periodontal care.
- Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation) and inflammatory markers were assessed pre- and post-treatment at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Intensive treatment initially increased systemic inflammation and impaired flow-mediated dilatation.
- After 6 months, flow-mediated dilatation improved significantly in the intensive group compared to controls.
- Improvements in endothelial function correlated with improvements in periodontal disease measures.
Conclusions:
- Intensive periodontal treatment can cause short-term inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
- However, sustained improvements in oral health are associated with improved endothelial function and vascular health long-term.
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