Effects of Vitamin Deficiencies on Oral Health

The health and functions of skin and mucous membrane epithelia are regulated by vitamins which are organic substances soluble either in fat or water. In economically disadvantaged communities’ due to inadequate dietary consumption there is reduced intake or impaired absorption of vitamin and minerals that causes nutritional deficiency diseases. Often the oral cavity shows the early signs and symptoms of systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies due to rapid epithelial cell turnover in oral mucous membrane. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin), and C are obtained through dietary or supplement sources as they are not stored in the body in large amount. Fat-soluble vitamins that affect the oral mucosa include vitamins A, D, and K.