The Short‐Term Effects of Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis on Circulating Levels of Endotoxin, C‐Reactive Protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α, and Interleukin‐6

Abstract

Chronic periodontitis patients undergoing an episode of subgingival scaling show a significant elevation in circulating TNF-alpha and IL-6. This may account for anecdotal reports of pyrexia following treatment and may be significant in terms of the relationship between periodontal disease, bacteremia, and cardiovascular disease.