Study suggests relationship between periodontitis and vitamin D

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 1. January 2020

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OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada: There are many reasons why vitamin D is essential to the body’s proper functioning. The vitamin is helpful for maintaining healthy bones and teeth and can assist in regulating insulin levels and managing diabetes treatment. Now, a new study has suggested that there is an association between a low level of vitamin D and the presence of periodontal disease.

The cross-sectional study was conducted by researchers from the University of Manitoba in Canada, who examined data collected between 2007 and 2009 from respondents to the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Vitamin D levels were determined through measuring concentrations of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a metabolite produced once vitamin D has been metabolized by the liver, and periodontal status was defined through the commonly used gingival index and calculated loss of attachment.

After accounting for additional independent variables such as whether or not the respondent was a current smoker, former smoker or had never smoked at all, the research team found that there was modest evidence for an association between low concentrations of 25(OH)D and periodontal disease.

“Prospective studies with longer follow-up are likely required to fully elucidate what effect, if any, vitamin D levels have on the progression of periodontal disease,” the study’s authors wrote.

As reported by Dental Tribune International, a prior study has shown that a vitamin D deficiency, paired with periodontitis, may have an influence on Type 2 diabetes. However, sufficient vitamin D levels may have the potential to decrease inflammation and have an impact on the oral microbes that are related to periodontal disease.

The study, titled “The relation between periodontal disease and vitamin D,” was published online on March 6, 2019, in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association.

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