The Use of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation as Potential Non-Surgical Therapy for Periodontal Disease

Research has demonstrated that both vitamin D and calcium have important roles in bone regeneration, which has a direct effect on periodontal disease, therefore, it is important to recognize the significance of achieving adequate levels of both factors in women, particularly pregnant women, according to findings from a publication in Dentistry Journal.

In this publication, authors utilized a narrative review search strategy to find the relevant literature on the effect of vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation on oral and periodontal health, particularly related to female patients.

In total, the literature review found 336 papers, of which 157 were identified as being of interest after reading the title and abstract and eliminating duplicates. This included randomized control trials [RCTs] (n = 7), observational studies (n = 71), retrospective studies (n = 56), meta-analyses (n = 4), systematic review articles (n = 12) and other types of reviews (n = 27).

Authors noted that numerous publications have demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium can have a positive effect in the management of periodontal disease, therefore supplementation can be utilized as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment; however, the appropriate doses of vitamin D and calcium are currently unknown.

Additionally, there is a need for consensus guidelines that recommend the measurement of 25(OH)D levels before periodontal surgery. Public health strategies are necessary to augment vitamin D and calcium supplementation in pregnant women; vitamin D levels should also be measured to ensure balanced oral health in this population.

The authors wrote, “Specifically, vitamin D levels should be verified before the treatment of any oral conditions to achieve better patient outcomes. Furthermore, vitamin D helps to manage calcium–phosphate metabolism and bone regeneration. Periodontal surgery is usually associated with regenerative periodontal therapy; bone growth may be impeded by low levels of vitamin D.”

They also noted that the benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation have been demonstrated in situations where deficiency is correlated with adverse outcomes, such as periodontal disease and maternal health. However, understanding and mindsets about supplementation, as well as the actual levels of supplementation, differ significantly in the general population and also vary between men and women.

Authors indicated that more research is warranted to address the gaps in awareness regarding how gender affects the knowledge and supplementation of vitamin D and calcium and these gaps may be resolved by creating specific public health policies to enhance women’s knowledge regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation. These gaps may also be improved by increasing intakes of vitamin D and calcium and the results of employing such policies should be examined via population-level knowledge assessment. Moreover, additional research regarding the dose-related anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D is required to ascertain the optimal dose and to further define the anti-inflammatory effects, particularly with regard to periodontal disease.

“This review provides suggestions for public health strategies regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as the effects of both types of supplementation on maternal oral health”, concluded the authors.

Reference

Sllamniku Dalipi Z, Dragidella F. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation as Non-Surgical Treatment for Periodontal Disease with a Focus on Female Patients: Literature Review. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(7):120. Published 2022 Jul 1. doi:10.3390/dj10070120.