In a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, periodontal therapy led to remarkable mid-term and short-term decrease in antibody titers and hepatic enzyme levels in individuals having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and periodontal disease. With the aim to assess effectiveness of periodontal therapy, adult patients with NAFLD and periodontitis, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ≥ 40 U/L, and comparable steatosis grade ≥ 1 were included.

Overall, 40 volunteers (18 males, 22 females), graded by age and gender were randomized to scaling and root planning (SRP; n = 20) and tooth brushing (n = 20) groups. Changes in serum Porphyromonas gingivalis IgG-antibody titers and ALT levels from baseline to 12 weeks were the secondary and primary outcomes respectively. Intention-to-treat analysis was used to determine effectiveness.

In comparison to the tooth-brushing group, the SRP group showed a greater decline in absolute ALT levels and P. gingivalis IgG-antibody titers. There were no fatalities or life-threatening events. Thus, periodontal therapy exhibited promising therapeutic efficacy for the management of NAFLD and periodontal disease. To precisely identify SRP effectiveness and tolerability in individuals suffering from periodontitis and NAFLD, a more robust investigation is required.