Role of Zinc in Periodontal Health and Disease

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 inuence on oral mucosa, bone metabolism and host response. Zinc deciency affects the functioning of immune cells and also increases the secretion of cytokines causing increased production of free radicals. Zinc deciency results in signicant 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.

Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc against Periodontal Pathogens: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

“…All bacterial species (>95%), except for A. actinomycetemcomitans, which was found in less than half of the cases, were identified in individuals with severe stages of periodontitis [28,30]. It has been established through a systematic review of the literature [8][9][10][13][14][15][16]] that zinc and its compounds have an antimicrobial effect, inhibiting the growth, reproduction, and vital functions of bacteria, and zinc deficiency is frequently associated with diseased states of periodontium [31].…”