Hypertensive patients with chronic periodontitis will be randomized to either intensive treatment or supragingival hygienic treatment and the effects on blood pressure will be identified.

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