CRP and periodontitis: Related to the issue of oral health in the children and the possible existence of periodontitis, a link was recently found between periodontitis, systemic inflammation and CVD.28 Specifically, it was found that intensive periodontal therapy reduced local as well as systemic reductions in inflammation, which correlated with an improvement in endothelial functioning.28 This finding suggests that children with a high CRF and normal weight may still have elevated serum/salivary CRP levels (systemic/local inflammation) and be at risk for developing chronic disease, if they have poor oral health.