Is C Reactive Protein a Risk Indicator for Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis is an inflammatory multifactorial chronic disease, caused by microorganisms that destroys periodontal tissues. In the last years, several studies have described an association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This relationship has been made since both diseases share the same risk factors and they both increase C reactive proteins levels. C-reactive protein (C-RP) is a well-known inflammatory marker. This study was designed to try to stablish the relationship between C-RP levels and periodontitis in a group of patients that need periodontal treatment at Odontology Faculty in Universidad de Costa Rica. Periodontal examinations were done to 30 patients and blood samples were taken. The mean value of C-RP found was 3.72mg/L (IC95%: 2.06-5.38) which represents a medium-high risk level. 54% of the patients had generalized chronic periodontitis, without statistical difference when compared gender (p=0.416) or age (p=0.477). 43% had chronic localized periodontitis and 3% gingivitis. Females showed a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (p=0.640). No statistical differences were found between C-RP values relating gender, age or other comorbilities, even though mean values were always higher in those suffering metabolic diseases (5.5mg/L) compared to those values from patients not suffering the same diseases (2.7mg/L).