Association of Vitamin D level and periodontitis: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 40% of the human population, resulting from the immune response to microbial infections in periodontal tissues. While inflammation serves to protect against pathogens, it also leads to tissue damage and is associated with various systemic diseases. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, and stress, with increasing evidence linking periodontitis to Vitamin D deficiency, which impacts over one billion people worldwide. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and supporting immune function, and its deficiency has been shown to adversely affect periodontal health. Adequate Vitamin D levels are crucial for effective management of periodontitis, as inflammation can lead to decreased 25(OH)D levels. Recent advancements in point-of-care technology now allows for rapid chairside testing of Vitamin D, significantly enhancing diagnostic efficiency in dental practices. Research indicates that Vitamin D plays a significant role in modulating immune responses, particularly by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Patients with periodontitis often exhibit lower Vitamin D levels, and supplementation has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, such as clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding index (BI). Thus, the use of adjunctive Vitamin D during non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) may enhance treatment effectiveness, although further longitudinal studies are needed to determine optimal dosages and long-term effects. In conclusion, maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels may offer protective benefits against the progression of periodontitis.