Could Vitamin D Influence Risk for Periodontal Disease —to “D” or Not to “D”?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to discuss the literature on associations between vitamin D and periodontal disease, including its strengths and weaknesses. Future direction for continued work in this area is provided.Recent FindingsResearch in cross-sectional cohorts, surveys, and case-control studies provide support for a role of vitamin D in periodontal disease, especially using clinical indicators such as bleeding on probing and clinical attachment loss. However, these studies have a number of limitations. They cannot establish temporality of these associations. Most case-control studies have been limited in sample size and have inconsistent findings. A number of cross-sectional studies are restricted to select populations (e.g., persons with HIV, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) limiting extrapolation of findings to the general aging population. Fewer prospective studies have been conducted, and only three have examined associations using a biomarker for vitamin D that reflects exposure from all its sources (sunlight, diet, and supplements). One study is limited by using self-reported measures of disease outcomes, and only two used measures of alveolar crestal height. However, of the prospective studies published, there is a suggestion that vitamin D might prevent against tooth loss. Only two randomized controlled trials have examined these associations, and they support the effects of vitamin D supplementation on prevention of tooth loss and gingiv...
Source: Current Oral Health Reports - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research