COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HIGH-SENSITIVE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN SALIVA OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS WITH AND WITHOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE.

Chronic periodontitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that damages the supporting structures of teeth and, if untreated, can lead to tooth mobility and loss. Beyond its oral effects, it has systemic implications, particularly in cardiovascular health. Coronary artery disease, an inflammatory atherosclerotic condition, may be influenced by the systemic inflammation associated with periodontitis.

Saliva has gained attention as a diagnostic fluid due to its easy and non-invasive collection. It has been explored for detecting biomarkers of systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for monitoring oral diseases such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. However, salivary content can vary depending on factors like age, smoking, and systemic health.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a widely recognized marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Elevated hs-CRP levels have been observed in both cardiovascular disease and periodontitis, suggesting a link between these two conditions. While traditionally measured in serum, salivary hs-CRP has emerged as a convenient, cost-effective, and non-invasive alternative.

There is limited research comparing salivary hs-CRP levels in patients with chronic periodontitis with and without cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate whether salivary hs-CRP can serve as a biomarker for identifying individuals at higher cardiovascular risk, explore the correlation between periodontitis severity and hs-CRP levels, and investigate the shared inflammatory pathways. Ultimately, this research seeks to establish salivary hs-CRP as a useful tool for early detection and integrated management of systemic risks in patients with chronic periodontitis.