What effect does non-surgical periodontal therapy have on systemic inflammation?

Non-surgical periodontal therapy, which includes procedures such as scaling and root planing, is designed to reduce the bacterial load in periodontal tissues and improve oral health. This type of therapy has a significant impact on systemic inflammation, primarily because periodontal disease is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

When non-surgical periodontal therapy is implemented effectively, it helps to remove plaque, calculus, and infected gum tissue, leading to a reduction in periodontal inflammation. As the periodontal tissues heal and become healthier, there is a corresponding decrease in systemic inflammatory markers. This improvement reflects a more balanced immune response and decreased overall inflammation within the body.

The reduction of systemic inflammation as a result of improved periodontal health is important because chronic inflammation is linked to various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Therefore, non-surgical periodontal therapy plays a crucial role not just in treating gum disease but also in potentially lowering systemic inflammation and its associated health risks.