Vitamin D: A “Sun Shine” on the periodontium

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with pleiotropic effects on different organ systems of the body. Major portion of the vitamin is synthesized in the epidermis under the influence of sunlight. Conventionally, Vitamin D had been solely associated with the metabolism and health of skeletal tissues. Osteomalacia/osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children were the only symptoms previously attributed to Vitamin D deficiency. The potential role of adequate Vitamin D for the proper functioning of diverse tissues throughout the body is now well recognized. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is rampant and affects people of all ages. Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of periodontal health. Adequate levels of the vitamin have a “perio-protective” effect and can decrease susceptibility to periodontal diseases. This “sunshine effect” of the vitamin on the periodontium can be mainly attributed to its immune-modulatory action. This review addresses the basics of Vitamin D metabolism and underlines the role of Vitamin D on periodontal health, disease, and therapy.

Keywords

• periodontal therapy
• periodontitis
• vitamin d