Analyzing the Impact of Chlorhexidine on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background:The interconnections between oral and systemic diseases have garnered significant attention, as oral infections and issues are recognized as potential contributors to pathological developments in other parts of the body. Suboptimal oral health, largely linked to periodontal disease and consequential tooth loss, has been correlated with heightened susceptibility to various health concerns, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), pulmonary diseases, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and ultimately, increased mortality.

Methods:The study involved the selection of thirty patients. These participants were randomly assigned to three groups: the Control group, Test group A, and Test group B. Each group underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy, encompassing oral hygiene instructions and subgingival scaling and root planning.

Results:In a comparative analysis of CRP levels between Group A and Group B, the mean CRP values exhibited notable variations over the course of the study. For Group A, the baseline mean CRP was 3.72 ± 2.54, which slightly decreased to 3.59 ± 2.51 at 1 month and further reduced to 3.06 ± 2.21 at 2 months.On the other hand, Group B displayed lower baseline mean CRP levels of 2.37 ± 2.03, experiencing a modest decline to 2.24 ± 1.93 at 1 month. Notably, at the 2-month mark, Group B demonstrated a more substantial decrease in mean CRP, with a value of 1.69 ± 1.56.

Conclusion:The combined use of chlorhexidine mouthrinses with non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This indicates that chlorhexidine enhances treatment effectiveness compared to non-surgical therapy alone. However, when comparing 0.12% and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinses, no significant difference in CRP reduction was observed. This suggests that both concentrations are similarly effective in lowering CRP levels, allowing practitioners flexibility in choosing either concentration without a substantial impact on outcomes.