Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice 2025 - Free Dental Hygiene Practice Questions and Study Guide

The essential nutrient that contributes significantly to periodontal health is Vitamin C. This vitamin is crucial for the maintenance of healthy gum tissue and overall periodontal health. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for the structural integrity of the gums and periodontal tissues. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the gums from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.

While calcium is important for the mineralization of teeth and bones, its direct impact on the soft tissues of the periodontium is less pronounced compared to Vitamin C. Iron is essential for blood production and can influence overall oral health, but it does not directly support periodontal tissue health in the same way that Vitamin C does. Folic acid is important for cell division and tissue growth, but its role in periodontal health is more indirect and not as prominently recognized as that of Vitamin C.

Understanding the specific functions of these nutrients clarifies why Vitamin C is particularly essential for maintaining periodontal health.