CRP and hypertensive disorder: Periodontitis can contribute to the overall inflammatory burden in individuals, leading to elevated CRP levels and, subsequently, an increased risk of CVD and hypertension.25 Gingival bleeding, indicative of periodontal inflammation, is consistently associated with increased systolic blood pressure and an elevated risk of developing hypertension.15 While severe periodontitis appears to be linked to a greater risk of hypertension, definitive conclusions regarding the causal relationship between periodontal disease and this condition remain elusive.17