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Higher levels of vitamin D may fight gingivitis

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Individuals who suffer from gingivitis may want to consider seeking vitamin D testing. While the two matters may seem unconnected, a new study has found that high levels of the nutrient may help fight the bacteria that cause gum diseases.

The findings have important implications because gingivitis and vitamin D deficiency are both so common. gum disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss in the U.S. and some estimates have indicated that the vast majority of Americans have insufficient levels of the nutrient.

For the present study, a researcher from the New Jersey Dental School found that gingival cells treated with vitamin D produce higher levels of a natural antibiotic and kill more of the bacteria associated with gum disease.

The results of the investigation support findings from previous studies, several of which have shown that vitamin D may boost the function of the immune system. Gill Diamond, the researcher behind the study said that figuring out the biology behind the role that vitamin D plays in immune function could lead to new treatments for several diseases, including gingivitis.