Vitamin D and periodontal disease

Abstract

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition, characterized by alveolar bone loss induced by the host immune response to bacterial attack. Because of vitamin D is associated with some inflammatory diseases and plays a significant role in bone homeostasis and immunity, vitamin D deficiency could negatively affect the periodontium and increase tooth loss. In spite of the limitations of previous studies, there are valid reasons to assume that vitamin D plays a significant role in reducing the risk of periodontitis. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and protects bone strength; the active form of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin, function as an immunomodulator because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the inflammatory response through modulation of cytokine production by immune cells and stimulation of monocytes and macrophages to secrete peptides with potent antibacterial action; another potential function of vitamin D in periodontal health is supported by the finding that polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene are associated with periodontitis, clinical attachment loss, bone loss, and/or tooth loss. These multiple actions of vitamin D are potentially interesting for the treatment of patients with periodontitis. If increased vitamin D intake can reduce alveolar bone loss, oral vitamin D supplementation could prove to be a safe, effective, low-cost adjunctive systemic/pharmacologic therapy for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. The research to date suggests the beneficial effects of vitamin D on periodontal disease; however, further studies are needed.