Vitamin D and Periodontal Health in Older Men

Abstract

Vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory mediator, has potential benefits for physical and oral health. Although it is produced endogenously, some individuals have a greater need for dietary and supplemental sources. This repeated-measures crosssectional study assessed associations between total vitamin D intake and periodontal health in older men. Participants were 562 members of the Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study, mean age 62.9 years, who were examined 1 to 4 times between 1986 and 1998. A calibrated examiner measured probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment loss (AL) on each tooth. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was determined from radiographs. Severe periodontal disease was defined as PPD ≥ 5 mm on ≥ 1 tooth and AL ≥ 6 mm at ≥ 2 sites (not on same tooth), and moderate-to-severe alveolar bone loss as ABL ≥ 40% at ≥ 3 sites. Generalized estimating equations were used to compute the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of having periodontal disease by level of vitamin D intake. Total vitamin D intake ≥ 800 IU was associated with lower odds of severe periodontal disease (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.55-0.81) and moderate-to-severe ABL (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30-0.96) relative to intake < 400 IU/day. Vitamin D intake may protect against periodontal disease progression.KEY WORDS: periodontal disease, alveolar bone, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, vitamin D intake, aging.

Vitamin D and Its Relevance in the Etiopathogenesis of Oral Cavity Diseases

“…An inverse relationship between periodontal disease indicators and vitamin D levels was demonstrated in a study by Alshouibi et al (2013), where the total vitamin D intake C800 IU/day was associated with lower odds of severe periodontal disease and moderate-to-severe alveolar bone loss compared with an intake \400 IU/day. It was also observed that low serum levels of vitamin D adversely affect the healing process in post-operative wounds after periodontal surgical procedures.…”

Aging and its impact on innate immunity and inflammation: Implications for periodontitis

“…Long-term topical application of rCoQ10 onto the gingiva of aging rats inhibited oxidative DNA damage, expression of genes encoding inflammatory mediators including components of the Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 inflammasome, and osteoclastogenesis, in contrast to control treatment with vehicle only [74]. Vitamin D is a powerful natural antioxidant and a recent study showed a correlation between vitamin D intake (≥ 800 IU) and protection against periodontal disease progression in relatively old age (men with an average age of 63) [75]. However, it should be noted that vitamin D has pleiotropic effects in immune regulation and inflammation [76] including regulation of local immunity at the periodontal tissue [77].…”

Vitamin D Status and 5‐Year Changes in Periodontal Disease Measures Among Postmenopausal Women: The Buffalo OsteoPerio Study

“…Most, 7‐12 although not all, 13 previous cross‐sectional and case‐control studies have supported vitamin D status as a potential modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease. Few studies 14‐18 have examined associations between vitamin D status and periodontal disease measures taken over time. Garcia et al 14 conducted a 1‐year study of 51 patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontal disease attending a periodontal disease maintenance program.…”

“…In a larger epidemiologic study of 550 men, Krall 15 found no association between self‐reported baseline intake of vitamin D from foods and supplements and 7‐year progression in alveolar bone loss. In another study of 562 men, Alshouibi et al 17 used a repeated‐measures cross‐sectional design to examine associations between vitamin D intake and periodontal disease collected one to four times from 1986 to 1998. Vitamin D intake was associated with lower odds of moderate‐to‐severe periodontal disease.…”