Introduction: Periodontitis and hypertension are chronic conditions linked through shared inflammatory pathways and endothelial dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary nitrate, particularly beetroot, may offer systemic and periodontal benefits via nitric oxide bioavailability. However, its impact in individuals with concurrent periodontitis and borderline hypertension remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation using beetroot gummies on salivary biomarkers and blood pressure in patients with periodontitis and borderline hypertension. Methodology: A clinical intervention was conducted on 40 participants aged 35–60 years with Stage I/II periodontitis and borderline hypertension, randomized into a control group and a test group receiving beetroot gummies (500 mg, twice daily for 15 days). Salivary nitrate, pH, ammonia, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline, day 15, and day 30. Repeated measures of analysis of variance and independent t -tests were used for statistical analysis ( P < 0.05). Results: Intragroup analysis showed a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the test group postintervention. No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in salivary nitrate, pH, or ammonia levels. However, trends indicated enhanced salivary pH stability and ammonia elevation. Conclusion: A significant reduction in blood pressure in periodontitis patients with borderline hypertension was evident in patients on nitrate-rich beetroot gummies, despite minimal changes in salivary biomarkers supporting the potential benefits of dietary nitrate that serves as a cost-effective adjunct in managing systemic and oral inflammatory conditions. However, further research is warranted with larger cohorts and extended follow-ups.
Penmetsa et al. (Thu,) studied this question.