The potential impact of vegetarian diet on the oral mucosa: A preliminary cytopathological study

Impact of nutrition on the condition of the oral mucosa and periodontium: A narrative review

“…Effects of deficiency on the oral mucosa Vitamin A gingivitis, gingival hypoplasia, proliferation of crevicular epithelium, alveolar bone resorption 36,37 Vitamin D painful erosions, ulcerations and aphthous ulcers in the oral cavity, damage to the secretory salivary glands that leads to xerostomia, 8 periodontitis 37,38 Vitamin E none Vitamin K submucosal and gingival bleeding, both spontaneously and after trauma, ecchymoses of the buccal mucosa and palate 3 Vitamin C gingival edema, friable and erythematous interdental papillae, poorly formed, soft, and often loose teeth, tiny hemorrhages on tips of the interdental papillae, aphthous-like lesions, 3 xerostomia 37 Vitamin B complex lower resistance to bacterial insults, RAS, enamel hypomineralization, cheilosis, cheilitis, halitosis, gingivitis, glossitis, atrophy of the lingual papillae, stomatitis, rashes around the nose, dysphagia, pallor, stomatodynia, erosions in the mouth 36,37 angular cheilitis, recurrent ulcerations, oral candidiasis 1,47 Calcium increased risk of periodontal diseases and tooth loss, increased severity of periodontitis 3,36,40 Iron RAS, atrophic glossitis, angular cheilitis, pallor of mucous membranes, 1,9,23,47 higher gingival index, BOP, probing pocket depth, higher percentage of sites with a CAL ≥ 6 mm 43 RAS -recurrent aphthous stomatitis; BOP -bleeding on probing; CAL -clinical attachment loss.…”

“…Therefore, a vegetarian diet should be rich in whole grains, seeds, nuts, and soy, which are high in protein. 1,47,50,51 According to the Academy of General Dentistry, patients on a vegetarian diet may suffer from vitamin and element deficiencies. These deficiencies manifest in the oral cavity in the form of glossitis, angular cheilitis, taste alterations, and glossodynia.…”

“…There are many conditions that influence the health of the oral cavity such as the diseases of the teeth's hard tissues, periodontium and mucosa. 1 This article will discuss the relationship between nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and the condition of the periodontium and oral mucosa. It will take into consideration eating patterns such as vegetarianism, the ketogenic diet, the Paleo diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Western diet, and intermittent fasting.…”

“…2 The first signs of deficiency of some micronutrients, for example, the B vitamins, are seen in the mouth and include glossitis, cheilitis and angular stomatitis. 1 Vitamins and minerals play an important role in the rapid cell turnover of the oral mucosa. Due to its unique anatomical environment, the oral cavity may manifest early signs of nutritional disorders as well as other systemic diseases.…”

“…Some oral changes observed in vegetarians may indicate iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. 1 However, another study suggests that the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can have a positive impact on periodontal health because they protect the oral tissues from oxidative damage and modify the inflammation present in periodontal diseases such as periodontitis. 7 Other eating patterns, which are further described in this review, may also have a significant impact on the condition of the oral mucosa.…”