- What are the consequences of vitamin A deficiency for periodontal diseases?
Vitamin A is an important nutrient for oral health. A vitamin A deficiency can cause various oral health-related problems.
One of the most common problems associated with vitamin A deficiency is dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This can reduce the mouth's ability to fight off bacteria, leading to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria originate from food and debris in the mouth, and if they grow excessively, they can lead to gingivitis, swollen gums, and other oral problems such as cavities.
A primary function of vitamin A is to maintain the health of epithelial cells. Its deficiency causes skin and mucous membrane damage. Degenerative changes in the epithelial layer cause keratinization and reduce the ability to prevent foreign body penetration. Vitamin A deficiency leads to the formation of deep periodontal pockets, a thick adhesive epithelium layer, and delayed healing of the gingival tissue.
- What are the consequences of vitamin D deficiency for periodontal diseases?
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for oral health. It helps the body absorb and utilize calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.
With vitamin D deficiency, the body cannot absorb enough calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for oral health. This can lead to weakening of tooth and bone structure and contribute to problems such as tooth loss and gingivitis. Vitamin D deficiency leads to a reduction in bone density in the dental socket, a reduced width of the periodontal ligament area, cement resorption at the tooth root, and reduced development of the alveolar bone. There is also increased fibroblastogenesis, with fibroblasts replacing cortical and cancellous bone.
In addition, vitamin D plays an important role in supporting the body's immune system. The immune system is crucial for fighting pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. When the body's immune system is weakened, the risk of oral health problems such as gingivitis and gum swelling increases.
- What are the consequences of vitamin E deficiency for periodontal diseases?
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant for oral health. It protects cells from free radical damage and helps minimize gum inflammation and other oral health-related problems.
With a vitamin E deficiency, the body lacks the necessary antioxidants to protect cells from damage. This can lead to gingivitis, swollen gums, and other oral health problems. A vitamin E deficiency can also reduce the mouth's ability to defend itself, leading to the growth of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Food sources of vitamins A, D and E
4.1. Vitamin A:
● Foods with beta-carotene: Green leafy vegetables such as kale, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, beets, chard, spinach, parsley.
● Foods containing retinol: salmon, goose liver, beef liver, whole milk, eggs.
4.2. Vitamin D:
● Sun exposure: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. The duration of sun exposure depends on age, skin type, location, and weather. However, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure during the most intense hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to avoid skin damage.
● Foods with vitamin D: Small fish with bones such as salmon, mackerel, vitamin D-fortified milk, eggs.
4.3. Vitamin E:
● Foods rich in vitamin E: walnuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, antioxidant-rich fruits such as berries, hazelnuts, pomegranate, oranges, grapes, mangoes.
It is important to note that supplementing with vitamins A, D and E should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to ensure that the body receives the necessary amount of vitamins and to avoid unwanted side effects.
