The first randomized study that looked into the effect of periodontal treatment on future risk of cardiovascular events or stroke finds some promising results. 

The PREMIERS study was conducted among patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) who also had gum disease. The study found no statistically significant difference between intensive periodontal treatment and standard treatment in the rate of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or death in the 1-year follow-up. However, there was a strong trend towards benefit in the intensive group. Both the groups were found to have a considerably lower event rate compared with a historical control group comprising of similar patients. The number of dental visits had a significant correlation with a reduction in the composite event rate.

 In the study, investigators randomized 280 patients from the Stroke Belt area (southeastern part of the United States) with a recent stroke or TIA and periodontal disease to receive standard or intensive periodontal treatment and followed them for 1 year. Standard treatment included regular (every 3 months) supragingival removal of plaque and calculus, and patients were given a regular toothbrush and advice about dental care. Intensive treatment included supragingival and subgingival removal of plaque and calculus (every 3 months), extraction of hopeless teeth, local antibiotics, an electric toothbrush, mouthwash, and air flosser for dental care. All patients also received conventional stroke risk factor treatment. After 1 year of follow-up, the primary outcome (stroke/myocardial infarction/death) was noted in 7.7% of the intensive treatment group compared to 12.3% of the standard care group, with a hazard ratio of 0.65… (Medscape)