Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates whether calcium intakes from dairy and non-dairy sources, and absolute intakes of various dairy products, are associated with periodontitis. The calcium intake (mg/day) of 135 older Danish adults was estimated by a diet history interview and divided into dairy and non-dairy calcium. Dairy food intake (g/day) was classified into four groups: milk, cheese, fermented foods and other foods. Periodontitis was defined as the number of teeth with attachment loss ≥3 mm. Intakes of total dairy calcium (Incidence-rate ratio (IRR) = 0.97; p = 0.021), calcium from milk (IRR = 0.97; p = 0.025) and fermented foods (IRR = 0.96; p = 0.03) were inversely and significantly associated with periodontitis after adjustment for age, gender, education, sucrose intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, vitamin D intake, heart disease, visits to the dentist, use of dental floss and bleeding on probing, but non-dairy calcium, calcium from cheese and other types of dairy food intakes were not. Total dairy foods (IRR = 0.96; p = 0.003), milk (IRR = 0.96; p = 0.028) and fermented foods intakes (IRR = 0.97; p = 0.029) were associated with reduced risk of periodontitis, but cheese and other dairy foods intakes were not. These results suggest that dairy calcium, particularly from milk and fermented products, may protect against periodontitis. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Highlights
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that induces breakdown of the connective tissue that anchors teeth to alveolar bone [1]
Prevalence of periodontitis varies with socio-economic status [6], suggesting that lifestyle factors contribute to disease development and previous studies suggest that periodontitis risk is influenced by diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption [7,8]
Dairy foods were the major source of dietary calcium, accounting for 56% of total calcium intake
Summary
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that induces breakdown of the connective tissue that anchors teeth to alveolar bone [1]. Periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is among the most common chronic infections in older dentate adults, affecting. Prevalence of periodontitis varies with socio-economic status [6], suggesting that lifestyle factors contribute to disease development and previous studies suggest that periodontitis risk is influenced by diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption [7,8]. A few studies have suggested that high intakes of calcium and vitamin D may enhance enamel remineralization, reduce demineralization [9], and prevent alveolar bone loss with consequent improvement in retention of the natural dentition [10]. The role of non-carbohydrate nutrients in its pathogenesis remains unclear [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
