The properties of IL-1β include promoting bone resorption and inducing the production of tissue-degrading proteinases.4 In addition to periodontitis, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 modulate systemic diseases.3 Correspondingly, cytokine-based strategies have the potential to improve both periodontitis and systemic health. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and periodontitis.