Re: VIT C IN DENTAL HEALTH

Low dietary vitamin C increases risk of periodontal disease. Specific pathogenic bacteria that produce inflammation and bone loss in susceptible individuals cause periodontal disease. Although researchers have identified most of the periodontal pathogens, the reasons why some individuals are susceptible to periodontal disease are not well understood. One of the factors thought to affect susceptibility is vitamin C. However, is there a relationship between low intake of vitamin C and a greater incidence of periodontal disease? That question was addressed in a study that was published in the Journal of Periodontology (2000;71:1215–1223). The sample for this study consisted of 12,419 adults between the ages of 20 and 90 years that were a part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This sample of individuals is representative of the US civilian, non institutionalized population. A 24-hour dietary record estimated the dietary intake of vitamin C of these individuals. In addition, a thorough periodontal screening was performed to identify individuals with periodontal disease. Then, the incidence of attachment loss was correlated with the dietary levels of vitamin C. The results of this study showed a statistically significant relationship between reduced dietary vitamin C and increased risk for periodontal disease for the overall population. Current and former tobacco users who also had lower levels of dietary vitamin C were at even greater risk. On the basis of this study, those individuals taking the lowest levels of vitamin C and who also smoke are likely to show the greatest clinical effect on the periodontal tissues.