Oral Health Education Combined with Routine Dental Treatment Reduces hsCRP

Abstract

A multitude of studies investigated the beneficial effects of periodontitis therapy on general health. In contrast, the present trial aimed to investigate the effect of an oral health education program combined with routine dental treatment on serum biomarkers of systemic health in a community of low-socioeconomic background with general dental treatment needs. Eligible participants (plaque index >50%, bleeding on probing >30%, active carious lesion) were randomised to a group that received dental treatment combined with an oral health education program (OHE+GDT) or a group that received general dental treatment only (GDT). Participants in both groups received routine dental treatment. In addition, participants in the OHE+GDT group received 180 min of health education and a full-mouth debridement. Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profiles, and HbA1c were measured at baseline and after 12 months. 295 participants (mean age, 45.4 ± 11 years) were analysed. Periodontal health significantly improved in both groups. However, no intergroup differences were detected (P=0.92 Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE)). A significant reduction of hsCRP levels at the follow-up assessment was observed in the OHE+GDT group, which was significantly different from the GDT group (P =0.01). Multivariate modelling indicated that baseline hsCRP levels, baseline body mass index, and higher consumption of vegetables (P = 0.021) predicted a reduction in hsCRP levels. This study demonstrated that oral health education combined with routine dental treatment was associated with a significant reduction in hsCRP levels and hence suggests a beneficial effect on general health.