Abstract
Trace mineral zinc is present in our saliva and helps us ght bacteria as well as plaque that is responsible for dental caries and gum disease. Zinc in dentifrices has the potential for hampering the acid production by Streptococcus mutans by up to 50% whereas when used along with uoride, it proved to be bactericidal. Zinc can combat against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, which are causative pathogens of gingivitis. Role of zinc in periodontitis is mainly related to its inuence on oral mucosa, bone metabolism and host response. Zinc deciency affects the functioning of immune cells and also increases the secretion of cytokines causing increased production of free radicals. Zinc deciency results in signicant reduction in collagen synthesis and reduced alkaline phosphatase activity. There is an inverse relationship between serum zinc levels and marginal alveolar bone loss. Therefore, its optimum levels are a prerequisite to maintain periodontal health.
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