Acute-phase reactants in periodontal disease: Current concepts and future implications

Periodontal disease has been linked to adverse cardiovascular events by unknown mechanisms. C‐reactive protein is a systemic marker released during the acute phase of an inflammatory response and is a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease, with elevated serum levels being reported during periodontal disease. Studies also reported elevated levels of various other acute‐phase reactants in periodontal disease. It has been reported extensively in the literature that treatment of periodontal infections can significantly lower serum levels of C‐reactive protein. Therefore, an understanding of the relationship between acute‐phase response and the progression of periodontal disease and other systemic health complications would have a profound effect on the periodontal treatment strategies. In view of this fact, the present review highlights an overview of acute‐phase reactants and their role in periodontal disease.