Effects of specific nutrients on periodontal disease onset, progression and treatment.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to review the available literature pertaining to the effects of specific nutritional elements (e.g. vitamin B-complex, vitamin C and dietary calcium) on general wound healing, periodontal disease status and response to periodontal therapy.

Methods: Critical appraisal of various studies that have evaluated the effects of calcium, ascorbic acid and vitamin B-complex in wound healing and periodontal treatment.

Results: Periodontal disease onset, progression and response to therapeutic interventions have been shown to be influenced by several systemic, local and environmental modifying factors. Nutritional supplementation has been suggested as a possible influencing factor on periodontal status and wound healing. Several studies have reported various degrees of association between nutritional elements/supplements and periodontal status, and others have reported possible positive influences of nutritional supplementation on periodontal therapeutic outcomes. Future research needs to more fully explore the presence and strength of association between nutrition and periodontal health.

Conclusions: Data collected from the literature suggests that nutrient supplementation causes minimal or no side effects. However, the efficacy of prophylactic nutrient supplementation for the prevention of the onset and progression of periodontal disease, or for the enhancement of periodontal wound healing, remains to be determined.