Nutrition, dietary guidelines and optimal periodontal health

Dietary nutrients may serve as antioxidants, co-enzymes in energy production and metabolic processes, and components of tissue structures that keep the bodys systems functioning properly and maintain good overall health, including oral health. Nutrients that are thought to be especially important for maintaining the periodontium have been the focus of epidemiological studies for many years. However, such research has not consistently found significant associations between periodontal disease incidence or prevalence and the intake levels of these and other nutrients. To date, there is insufficient evidence that current dietary intake recommendations and guidelines need to be changed in order to promote optimal periodontal health. It is important to consider the range of nutrient intakes or biomarkers in any given study population and how they relate to recommended levels when evaluating the evidence. This information is often lacking in studies of nutritional associations in periodontal research. A number of methodological issues may arise in terms of study design, data collection and analysis of dietary data, and these may affect the interpretation of epidemiological study results and the ability to draw inferences and reach conclusions about appropriate dietary recommendations. These issues are critically reviewed.