Oral tissues require a constant supply of micronutrients to ensure repair, defense, and mineralization. Dietary alterations or nutritional deficiencies may predispose patients to cavities, periodontal disease, delayed wound healing, and enamel abnormalities.
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1. Essential Vitamins
° Vitamin C: An indispensable cofactor in collagen synthesis, essential for periodontal ligament and gingival repair. Its deficiency leads to gingival bleeding and impaired healing.
° Vitamin D: Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, crucial for enamel and alveolar bone. Deficiency is linked to a higher risk of caries and periodontal disease.
° Vitamin A: Maintains the integrity of oral mucosa and salivary glands. Deficiency leads to xerostomia and epithelial keratinization.
° B-Complex Vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid): Important for oral mucosa health. Deficiencies cause glossitis, angular cheilitis, and delayed healing. Folic acid supports gingival regeneration.
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° Calcium: Strengthens dental enamel and maintains alveolar bone density. Especially crucial during childhood, adolescence, and in osteoporosis prevention.
° Phosphorus: Works together with calcium for dental and bone mineralization.
° Fluoride: Enhances enamel remineralization and increases resistance to bacterial acid attacks.
° Magnesium: Involved in enamel formation and calcium metabolism regulation. Deficiency can increase the risk of caries and periodontitis.
° Zinc: Supports healing, immune response, and bacterial control. Also present in toothpastes as an antiplque and anticalculus agent.
📊 Comparative Table: Vitamins and Minerals in Oral Health
| Nutrient | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Supports collagen synthesis, healing, and periodontal health | Deficiency leads to gingival bleeding and poor wound healing |
| Vitamin D | Enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, protects bone and enamel | Deficiency increases caries and periodontitis risk |
| Vitamin A | Maintains oral mucosa and saliva production | Deficiency causes xerostomia and epithelial changes |
| B-Complex | Prevents glossitis, cheilitis, and supports gingival regeneration | Deficiency leads to mucosal lesions and delayed healing |
| Calcium | Strengthens enamel and alveolar bone | Excess without vitamin D reduces absorption |
| Phosphorus | Contributes to dental and bone mineralization | Excess may disrupt calcium-phosphorus balance |
| Fluoride | Remineralizes enamel and prevents caries | Excess may cause fluorosis |
| Magnesium | Supports enamel formation and calcium metabolism | Deficiency increases risk of caries and periodontitis |
| Zinc | Boosts immunity and healing | Excess may alter taste and cause nausea |
💬 Discussion
Scientific literature confirms that proper nutrition is essential to maintain oral homeostasis. Deficiencies in vitamin C, D, and B-complex are strongly associated with periodontal diseases and oral mucosal lesions. The balance of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium is vital for enamel mineralization and bone density. Zinc and fluoride provide additional benefits in healing and caries prevention, although excess intake can be harmful.
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Vitamins and minerals play a critical role in oral health by supporting enamel integrity, healing, immune defense, and periodontal stability. Both deficiencies and excesses of these nutrients may compromise oral function and overall quality of life.
📝 Recommendations
1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins.
2. Ensure adequate sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis.
3. Avoid supplements without dental or medical supervision.
4. Promote nutritional education in dental practice.
📚 References
✔ Chapple, I. L. C., & Genco, R. (2013). Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Periodontology, 84(4-s), S106–S112. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2013.1340011
✔ Hujoel, P. P., Lingström, P., & Johansson, I. (2018). The role of diet in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental Clinics of North America, 62(2), 207–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.11.002
✔ Moynihan, P., & Petersen, P. E. (2004). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1A), 201–226. https://doi.org/10.1079/phn2003589
✔ Touger-Decker, R., & van Loveren, C. (2003). Sugars and dental caries. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(4), 881S–892S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/78.4.881S
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