Vitamin D is often overlooked in dental practice, yet its influence on oral and periodontal health is significant and straightforward to address. In her session at Dentistry Show London, ‘The impact of vitamin D on periodontal health: biological basis and clinical relevance', Dr Emily Lu will explore how this nutrient offers clinicians an accessible opportunity to support oral and overall well-being. Dr Lu (pictured) is Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology at King's College London.

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Recent evidence underscores vitamin D's triple action in the oral environment: it helps regulate inflammation, enhances antimicrobial defence, and supports bone health - all vital components in preventing and managing periodontal disease. Although many people associate vitamin D predominantly with skeletal health, new research reveals its direct involvement in stimulating antimicrobial peptides, modulating inflammatory cytokines, and reinforcing the epithelial barrier in oral and gingival tissues.

In clinical practice, this means identifying and addressing vitamin D deficiency, especially in high-risk groups such as older adults, individuals with darker skin pigmentation, those with limited sunlight exposure, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, which can make a tangible difference to patient outcomes. For these patients, screening and conversation around vitamin D status should form part of comprehensive periodontal care. Even if testing is not immediately viable, simply providing lifestyle advice or recommending safe, over-the-counter supplementation (especially during winter) can be beneficial.

That said, gaps remain. The profession lacks consensus on optimal serum thresholds, and most studies to date are cross-sectional. There is a pressing need for well-designed, long-term clinical trials to determine effective supplementation protocols and their sustained impact on periodontal health.

Dr Lu's core message is this: maintaining sufficient vitamin D - through screening, lifestyle guidance, or supplementation - is a low-barrier, high-impact strategy. It addresses the triad of inflammation, infection, and bone preservation, and should become a staple in a holistic approach to oral healthcare.

Don't miss Dr Emily Lu's session at Dentistry Show London on 4 October at 2.30-3.15 pm at the Speciality Interest Theatre. For more information and to register for free visit https://london.dentistryshow.co.uk/.