vitamins

Question 1

What groups are at risk for vitamin deficiencies?

Answer 1

Patients with rapid growth, medically compromised patients, those with substance abuse issues, those under stress, and vegans.

Question 2

How does stress affect vitamin requirements?

Answer 2

Stress increases the body’s metabolic activity, which increases the requirement for most vitamins, especially water-soluble ones.

Question 2

What is a primary vitamin deficiency?

Answer 2

A primary deficiency occurs due to decreased intake of vitamins.

Question 2

What is a secondary vitamin deficiency?

Answer 2

A secondary deficiency occurs due to inadequate absorption, increased requirements, excretion, or destruction of vitamins.

Question 2

What are the functions of Vitamin A related to oral health?

Answer 2

Vitamin A maintains vision in dim light, supports growth and cell differentiation, maintains skin and mucous membrane integrity, and aids immune function and cancer prevention.

Question 3

What are the sources of Vitamin A?

Answer 3

Animal sources: Liver, egg yolks, fish. Plant sources: Carrots, squash, broccoli.

Question 4

What is Vitamin A’s role in dental health?

Answer 4

Vitamin A is important for enamel and dentin formation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?

Answer 5

Symptoms include night blindness, growth failure, dry skin/mucous membranes, keratomalacia (eye disorder), and defective enamel and dentin in developing teeth.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Vitamin A excess?

Answer 5

Symptoms include hypercarotenemia (yellow skin, mainly on palms and soles).

Question 6

What are the functions of Vitamin D related to oral health?

Answer 6

Vitamin D aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption for bone and tooth mineralization, and prevents enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis.

Question 7

What are the main sources of Vitamin D?

Answer 7

Sunlight (at least 15 min exposure), fortified foods (cereals, dairy), and fish and meats.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in children?

Answer 8

Symptoms include rickets (disturbance in normal bone formation, bowlegs, knock-knees), enamel hypoplasia, dental decay, and periodontitis.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in adults?

Answer 8

Symptoms include osteomalacia (bone softening, decreased mineralization), muscle weakness, loss of lamina dura, increased osteoporosis, and higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular issues.

Question 9

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D excess?

Answer 9

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, dizziness, and tingling sensations.

Question 10

What are the functions of Vitamin E related to oral health?

Answer 10

Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, prevents hemolysis of red blood cells, acts as an anticoagulant, and may support periodontal health due to its antioxidant properties.

Question 11

What are the main sources of Vitamin E?

Answer 11

Vegetable oils (soybean), unprocessed/fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and some fruits (apples, peaches, apricots).

Question 12

How does Vitamin E benefit dental health?

Answer 12

Vitamin E may benefit patients with inflammatory conditions, including periodontal health.

Question 13

What are the symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency and who is more at risk?

Answer 13

Deficiency symptoms may include issues for premature infants, children, or adults who cannot absorb fats and oils, benefiting from supplementation. The evidence on whether Vitamin E lowers cardiovascular disease and chronic disease risk is unclear.

Question 13

What are the symptoms of Vitamin E excess?

Answer 13

Excess Vitamin E can disrupt the balance of antioxidants and increase the risk of bleeding in patients on anticoagulants or with Vitamin K deficiency.

Question 13

What are the functions of Vitamin K related to oral health?

Answer 13

Vitamin K aids in blood clotting (prothrombin production), supports bone density, and is essential for proper clotting, especially after surgery or extractions.

Question 14

What are the main sources of Vitamin K?

Answer 14

Dark green leafy vegetables, meats, and egg yolks.

Question 14

How does Vitamin E affect Vitamin K absorption?

Answer 14

Vitamin K absorption decreases with high levels of Vitamin E supplements.

Question 14

How does Vitamin K affect dental health?

Answer 14

Vitamin K is important for ensuring proper clotting after surgeries or extractions and supports bone health.

Question 15

What should patients on anticoagulants do regarding Vitamin K?

Answer 15

Patients on anticoagulants should monitor their Vitamin K intake to avoid interfering with their medication.

Question 16

What are the symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency?

Answer 16

Defective blood clotting and increased bleeding risk. Deficiency may occur due to disease, drug therapy, or conditions blocking bile flow.

Question 17

Why is Vitamin K deficiency rare?

Answer 17

Vitamin K deficiency is rare because it is derived from food and is synthesized by gut bacteria, which provide about half of the body's requirements.

Question 18

What are the functions of Vitamin C related to oral health?

Answer 18

Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation in gingiva and bone, enhances iron absorption and immune response, protects against soft tissue damage from bacteria and toxins, and aids in the utilization of folic acid and Vitamin B12.

Question 18

What are the main sources of Vitamin C?

Answer 18

Citrus fruits, raw leafy vegetables, tomatoes, strawberries, and potatoes.

Question 19

How does Vitamin C affect dental health?

Answer 19

Vitamin C is important for wound healing after procedures like scaling and root planing and helps smokers meet their increased vitamin C needs.

Question 20

What are the symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency?

Answer 20

Symptoms of scurvy include swollen, red, sore, burning gingiva, spontaneous bleeding, periodontal destruction, increased infection risk, poor bone and tooth development, and delayed wound healing.