Positive Health Online

Abstract

MUNOZ and colleagues, Center for Dental Research, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California, USA, investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with particular nutrients on gingivitis (inflammation of the gums ) and other indicators of gingival/periodontal health in patients with periodontal disease .

Background

The benefits of nutritional supplements are frequently overlooked when recommendations are given for preserving healthy teeth and gums.

Methodology

This was a 60-day, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study involving 63 patients with Type II periodontal disease . Subjects received (as an adjunct to home care) either a twice-daily vitamin tablet containing seven active ingredients (comprising certain nutritional and plant-derived nutraceuticals) or a twice-daily placebo tablet . Gingival index (GI ; an indicator of gingivitis), bleeding index (BI ), periodontal pocket (probing) depth (PD ) and attachment levels (AL ) were measured at baseline and after 60 days of treatment.

Results

The vitamin-supplemented group showed clinically significant reductions in GI, BI and PD after 60 days of treatment (p<0.0001) compared with no such reductions in the placebo group. There were no significant changes in AL in either group. For patients in the vitamin-treated group with PD 4 mm, clinically significant improvements in PD and GI from baseline to 60 days were seen, but no changes in BI or AL. Data obtained for men and women were similar.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the established periodontal treatment programme could be improved by including multivitamin/ nutrient supplementation .

References

Munoz CA et al. Effects of a nutritional supplement on periodontal status. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry 22 (5): 425-8. May 2001.