Vitamin C on Dental Health

Clinical Study Title:
Effects of a nutritional supplement on periodontal status.

Plain English Summary:

In this study, the use of vitamin supplements, including vitamin C and many B-vitamins, was examined to determine the effect on dental health, specifically gingivitis. Sixty-three participants with periodontal disease were given either a multivitamin supplement or a placebo. The study was conducted over a period of 60 days. At the end of the study, various symptoms, such as bleeding, and recurrence of gingivitis, were examined and compared to their occurrence before treatment. For those participants who were taking the multivitamin supplement had a reduction in many of the symptoms of their periodontal disease, while the participants taking the placebo did not. This suggests that a multivitamin containing vitamin C and B-vitamins may be beneficial in helping to treat periodontal disease.

Authors:
Munoz CA. Kiger RD. Stephens JA. Kim J. Wilson AC.

Institution:
Center for Dental Research, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California, USA.

Country of Publication:
United States

Source:
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. 22(5):425-8, 430, 432 passim; quiz 440, 2001 May.