Effect of zinc supplementation on periodontal status

Abstract EN

Background and objectives A link between the occurrence of periodontitis and zinc deficiency has been suggested.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on periodontal status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods Three hundred diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis (age range 45-65 years old) were selected.

The patients divided into three groups as I :zinc supplement; II: scaling and polishing; III: zinc plus scaling and polishing.

At initial visit, the blood samples of all patients collected and analyzed for serum zinc and glucose.

Periodontal status of the patients based on clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth score was determined.

The patients in group I and group III were assigned to receive 50 mg elemental zinc three times a day for six months period.

Periodontal status reassessed after intervention following the same procedure.

Results At initial, there were no significant differences in any parameter between the three groups.

At the end of the 6 months period, the mean values of clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth scores were significantly lower among group III as compared to group II (P<0.01).

The percentage of change in clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth were significantly higher in the group III as compared to group II ( p<0.05).

Conclusion Zinc supplement for vulnerable population to low zinc status such as type 2 diabetes mellitus patients decreases the chance of the occurrence of severe periodontitis.