Study of the Effects of Intensive Treatment of Periodontitis on Blood Pressure Control

Inclusion Criteria: * Periodontitis with three or more periodontal pockets with a probing depth (PD) \> 5mm * Bleeding of these periodontal pockets on probing * Have at least 20 natural teeth * Provide informed consent and willingness to cooperate with the study protocol * Age \>25 years old * Absence of other significant oral infections. * Primary Hypertension on stable treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical symptoms of acute inflammatory disorders incl flu, rhinitis, sinusitis etc. within past 3 weeks * Hospitalization for any reason within the past 3 months; Life expectancy of \< 3 years; * Allergic disorders; History of chronic infectious disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), tuberculosis; chronic hepatitis B or C infection; interstitial pneumonitis, bronchiectasis; known chronic pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, or ascites; liver disease; * Other known chronic inflammatory or autoimmune condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease * Secondary hypertension (known plasma renin screening, abdominal ultrasound with doppler and other investigations) * Non-basal cell malignancy or treated myelo or lymphoproliferative disease within the past 5 years; * Known HIV positive; Immunizations within past 3 months * Individual requires chronic oxygen support or mechanical ventilation other than nocturnal respiratory support for sleep apnea. * Primary pulmonary hypertension. * Use of systemic or local steroids or immunosuppressive agents within 6 months of the inclusion. * Individual is pregnant or nursing * History of alcohol abuse or unwillingness to limit alcohol consumption to less than 4 drinks per week