Chapter 12: Nutrient Deficiencies and Oral Health

Malnutrition can significantly affect oral health, and poor oral health in turn can result in malnutrition. This co-dependent relationship, therefore, relies on good nutritional health promoting good oral health and vice versa. A diet lacking nutrients can lead to disease progression of the oral cavity through altered tissue homeostasis, reduced resistance to microbial biofilm, and a decrease in tissue healing. It may also affect the development of the oral cavity. In the absence of contributing factors, health professionals should consider poor nutritional status with periodontitis, poor healing response to surgical procedures, or recurrent oral disease. This is particularly evident amongst elderly patients and patients in long-stay care. The role of nutrition in oral health and its effects on the immune system and inflammatory pathways has attracted a recent increase in research. This chapter will explore the oral manifestations that can occur with nutritional deficiencies, the association of periodontitis with nutritional deficiencies in vitamins C and D, and the effect of vitamin D deficiency and tooth development.