Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with gingival disease?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin B6

3. Vitamin C

4. Vitamin D

The correct answer is: Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency is commonly associated with gingival disease, particularly scurvy, which manifests as swollen, bleeding gums, and delayed wound healing. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a vital component of the connective tissues in the gums. This vitamin also contributes to immune function and helps protect against infections, which can exacerbate gingival disease. When there is insufficient Vitamin C in the diet, the integrity of the gums and overall oral health can significantly decline, leading to inflammation and other oral health issues. In contrast, while Vitamins A, B6, and D have important roles in overall health, they are not directly linked to gingival disease in the same manner. Vitamin A is essential for epithelial cell maintenance, but does not specifically target gum health as Vitamin C does. Vitamin B6 is involved in protein metabolism and cognitive development, and Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health; neither of these vitamins has a specific role in preventing or treating gingival disease.