Periodontal disease affects most of the world and is caused due to various factors, including microbial pathogens and host response mechanisms. Recent research suggests that Vitamin D, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, plays a very important role in terms of periodontal health. In this article, we go through the correlation between Vitamin D and periodontal health.

Vitamin D is essential for bone turnover, calcium metabolism, immune regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin D stands as a guard against various chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious diseases.

Periodontitis is a host inflammatory response to bacteria which in turn causes destruction of the connective tissue and alveolar bone loss.

Periodontal disease is characterized by gingival inflammation and tissue destruction around teeth. Research says that Vitamin D is an important hormone involved in calcium metabolism and immune regulation, and it may also impact periodontal health. Getting a hang on the relationship between Vitamin D and periodontal disease could offer new insights to dentists thereby helping them plan preventive and therapeutic strategies for managing periodontal health.

Vitamin D affects periodontal tissues through multiple mechanisms. It has antimicrobial properties, which in turn inhibit the growth of periodontal pathogens. Additionally, Vitamin D shows anti-inflammatory effects, changing the immune response and reducing gingival inflammation. Studies have also suggested a crucial role for Vitamin D in promoting bone health and supporting periodontal tissue integrity.

Clinical studies have provided valuable insights into the association between Vitamin D and periodontal disease. Lower serum Vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk and severity of periodontitis. Whereas Vitamin D supplementation has shown promise in reducing gingival inflammation and improving periodontal health. However, that being said further research is needed to know more about causality and determine the optimal dose for Vitamin D supplements with regard to periodontal management.

A recent European consensus said that poor nutrition and inadequate Vitamin D impact periodontal health and oral function.

Knowing the role of Vitamin D in periodontal health has great importance for oral health promotion and disease prevention. Adding Vitamin D into routine dental care could help identify individuals at risk of periodontal disease and help in making personalized intervention care. Additionally, optimizing Vitamin D through sunlight exposure, dietary sources, or supplementation may complement traditional periodontal therapies and improve treatment.

Studies conducted in the past emphasized the importance of maintaining Vitamin D sufficiency to support good periodontal health.

Did you get your daily dose of vitamin D if not then you might just need to rush out into the morning sun to keep your teeth healthy, yes, your teeth have been waiting for their daily dose of 'Sunshine Vitamin' to save them from impending doom.

Vitamin D deficiency is also related to periodontitis in CKD patients. Both CKD and periodontitis have been associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is known for providing bone health and regulating the immune system it is therefore postulated that Vitamin D is linked to the severity of periodontitis in CKD patients.

The link between Vitamin D and periodontal health represents a promising future for research and clinical practice. By studying and understanding the mechanisms underlying this association and performing effective intervention strategies, healthcare providers can enhance preventive efforts and improve the management of periodontal health. Embracing a comprehensive approach that keeps in mind both systemic and local factors, with regards to Vitamin D.

References-

1.https://journalajds.com/index.php/AJDS/article/view/142/281

2.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jre.13083

By Dr. Nidhi Arora