The Importance of Vitamin D for Periodontal Tissues

Abstract

There are many causes of vitamin D deficiency, which determines pathogenesis of many diseases, including periodontal ones. Constant low uptake or deficiency of vitamin D results in progression of periodontal diseases and jaw bone metabolism - leads to change of bone mineral density, causes resorption in alveolar bone, tooth loss, changes of masticatory function and osteoporosis. The clinical studies strive to link vitamin D with gingivitis and periodontitis and prove its therapeutic and preventive role, because of vitamin D immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects for periodontal tissues and best treatment outcome. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the importance of vitamin D on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, its role on regulation of the immune system and defense mechanism, influence on jawbone quality and on the correlation between vitamin D concentration in plasma and periodontal diseases.