Vitamins and oral mucosal diseases: From bench to the bedside

Vitamins are essential biocatalysts that have wide-ranging functions in supporting cellular metabolism. Vitamin deficiencies can significantly impact oral health, manifesting in oral mucosal and periodontal conditions. Deficiencies in the vitamin B complex are associated with glossitis, angular cheilitis, and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy-related periodontal issues, whereas vitamin A insufficiency predisposes to oral epithelial keratinization abnormalities such as dry mouth and susceptibility to Candida. A reduction in vitamin D levels is linked to the risk of periodontal disease, reduced oral immunity, and oral neoplasia. Low vitamin E does not induce oral disease, but vitamin K deficiency causes gingival hemorrhage. Oral mucosal diseases have a huge impact on morbidity. We discuss the diagnostic challenges in identifying vitamin-related oral manifestations and the associated systemic features that may accompany the mucosal changes. This review provides clinicians with insight into the mechanisms that govern oral mucosal pathology and the risk factors related to specific vitamin deficiencies. The role of vitamin supplementation in treating and preventing oral conditions is also addressed.