MICRONUTRIENTS: TRACE YET GRAVE

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial phenomenon resulting from various interactions between the host and its surroundings. Tissue destruction is caused mainly by the body’s exaggerated immune response to microbes. Various factors have the power to modulate this response and hence modify the disease progression. One of these factors is the presence of trace elements in the body. Apart from the macronutrients which are the main source of energy, there are various micronutrients present in the body which are mainly classified as vitamins and minerals. Although present in small quantities, their deficiency can have a huge impact on one’s body. The following case report describes a case in which oral supplements of micronutrients along with traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy paved the way for improvement in the periodontal status.