Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What essential nutrient contributes significantly to periodontal health?

1. Vitamin C

2. Calcium

3. Iron

4. Folic acid

The correct answer is: Calcium

The essential nutrient that contributes significantly to periodontal health is vitamin C. This vitamin plays a critical role in the synthesis of collagen, which is a key protein that helps maintain the structure of gums and connective tissues. Adequate levels of vitamin C are important for the healing and repair of gum tissues, and deficiency can lead to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. While calcium is crucial for overall bone health and helps in maintaining the density of jaw bones, it is not as directly linked to the health of the periodontal tissues as vitamin C. Similarly, iron is essential for blood health and carrying oxygen throughout the body, but again, it does not specifically target gum health. Folic acid is important for cellular health and regeneration, but its primary role is not directly associated with periodontal health like vitamin C. Understanding the role of these nutrients helps in appreciating their specific contributions to oral health, making vitamin C the more relevant choice in this context.