Periodontics

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – New test results show a portable saliva test device developed by a University of Michigan School of Dentistry professor could tell patients in just minutes if they have periodontal disease, which would be a major improvement over current methods which require hours of analysis at an off-site lab.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) released its commissioned literature review on bone augmentation techniques today. The review titled Bone Augmentation Techniques can't open this pdf page? download acrobat reader appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Research presented in a recent paper by Tonetti et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that intensive periodontal treatment may reverse atherosclerosis by improving elasticity of the arteries, or endothelial function. Findings from previous studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis and proposed that periodontal treatment may reduce cardiovascular risk. This study is important because it furthers the understanding of the potential relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Eliminating dental plaque may be an important step in preventing periodontitis and coronary artery disease according to a new study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Mothers who breastfeed should be sure to have enough Calcium in their diet, or may risk bone loss around their teeth and gums, according to a new study that appears in the January issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) released the Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Periodontal Diseases on September 1, 2006, and distributed it to dentists nationwide beginning in November 2006. The purpose of the Guidelines is to facilitate the identification of patients with periodontal diseases who, because of their disease severity and/or risk profile, present significant challenges in treatment. However, some questions have arisen regarding the Guidelines. The Academy therefore offers this statement in an effort to address any confusion that may exist.

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin – An estimated 300 dental professionals will attend a seminar on one of the hottest topics in dentistry – periodontal (gum) disease and its link to heart disease and diabetes – this Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center are the first to report an interrelationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in solid-organ-transplant recipients. This study appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Research presented in a recent paper by Michalowicz et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that treatment of periodontitis in pregnant women improves periodontal health and is safe but does not significantly alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction. This outcome is at variance with findings of other studies, which have suggested that periodontal treatment positively affects birth outcomes.

ROCHESTER, New York and GOTEBORG, Sweden – Chemicals commonly used to treat heartburn also display fighting power against the oral bacteria linked with gum disease, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Göteborg University in Sweden.

NEW YORK, New York – A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that treatment for periodontal disease in pregnant women does not result in a lower rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. At the same time, the study showed that periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe. The researchers recommend additional studies to assess the potential benefits of the treatment.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Patients with Type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease who receive periodontal therapy see levels of oxidative stress, a condition in which antioxidant levels are lower than normal, reduced to the same levels as nondiabetic patients, according to a new study that appeared in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – People missing some or all of their teeth or who have significant loss of bone and tissue surrounding their teeth may be at an increased risk for having a stroke, according to a new study that appeared in the October issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of 35,000 general dentists, finds the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) recent referral guidelines for the co-management of patients with periodontal disease to be extremely offensive to well-qualified AGD members. General dentists are not only skilled in periodontal treatment, but also frequently perform periodontal procedures. The AGD also reports that of even greater offense is the guideline’s implication that the AGD endorsed such an erroneous set of guidelines for referral of periodontal patients.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers found an increased risk of coronary heart disease for people below the age of 60 who have more than four millimeters of alveolar bone loss (the bone that holds the teeth in the mouth) from periodontal disease, according to a new study that is printed in the Journal of Periodontology.

NEW BRUNSWICK/PISCATAWAY, New Jersey – Rutgers scientists today announced a revolutionary new treatment for killing the bacteria that attack gum tissue during periodontal disease, while also promoting healing and the regeneration of tissue and bone around the teeth.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) commissioned a task force to develop guidelines for the management of patients with periodontal diseases to encourage referring dentists and periodontists to work together to optimize the health of patients. The task force developed Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Periodontal Diseases Can't open this PDF page? Download Acrobat Reader that are intended to help the general practitioner in the rapid identification of those patients at greatest risk for the consequences of periodontal inflammation and infection and, therefore, those patients most appropriate for specialty referral.

WEST ALLIS , Wisconsin – It is becoming more evident each day that oral health is integrally linked to a person’s overall health. While dentists have long understood that periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss, new evidence suggests it can affect more than just a person’s oral health.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The presence of specific bacteria and combinations of bacteria in periodontal pockets might be an explanation for the relationship between periodontal disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

St. Louis, Missouri – A ground-breaking non-surgical treatment device for treating gum disease has been cleared for general use by the FDA. Developed by a St. Louis dentist after more than 20 years of research and testing, the Perio Protect Method™ utilizes a patented medical device (Perio Tray™)that delivers antimicrobial medication directly to the source of infection.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Caregivers of people under psychological or physical stress, as well as those with the conditions themselves, should not overlook their oral health, according to a new study printed in the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers found that pregnant women with periodontitis had 65 percent higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared to periodontally healthy women. This study appears in the May issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – The patient of a periodontist in private practice in New Orleans developed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a condition that can cause severe, often irreversible and debilitating damage to the jaw, following periodontal surgical therapy. Two years prior to surgery, the patient had started receiving IV bisphosphonate therapy, or bone-sparing drugs commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and metastatic bone cancer to help decrease associated pain and fractures, following treatment for breast carcinoma. When the patient presented to the periodontist, no reports of ONJ had been reported in the literature. This case report is published in the April issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – Results of a new study support the hypothesis that periodontal therapy may improve metabolic control (lower HbA1c) in diabetic patients. This study appears in April's issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) commissioned a review of the literature on the use of lasers in periodontics to help clinicians better understand the clinical applications of this emerging technology. Lasers in Periodontics: A Review of the Literature Can't open this PDF page? Download Acrobat Reader appears in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

WARWICKSHIRE, United Kingdom – The UK’s leading oral health charity is warning obese people that they are more at risk of developing gum disease – easily the most common cause of tooth loss.

CHICAGO, Illinois – People have a new reason to stick to their New Year's resolution to lose excess weight besides fitting into the latest fashion trends. Researchers from University at Buffalo found that obesity is a significant predictor for periodontal disease, independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking. This study printed in a recent supplement to the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – Results of a new study support the hypothesis that chronic periodontal infection increases the risk of developing preeclampsia in pregnant women. This study printed in February's issue of the Journal of Periodontology. The results also suggest that maternal chronic periodontal disease is a risk factor for low birthweight babies among preeclamptic mothers compared to those women who did not have preeclampsia.

NEW YORK, New York – Socioeconomic disadvantage at the individual and neighborhood level is associated with severe periodontitis among African-Americans and Whites, according to research conducted at the Mailman School of Public Health and reported in the American Journal of Public Health.

SYDNEY, Australia and OSLO, Norway – The Journal of Dental Research has just published the results of a study showing that treatment of gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

RICHMOND, Virginia – Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that changes in the plasma lipoprotein profile of patients with severe periodontitis – a condition characterized by chronic infection and inflammation of the gums - may contribute to these patients' elevated risk for heart disease and stroke.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Pregnant women will want to include a periodontal evaluation as part of their prenatal care. That's because researchers found that periodontal treatment significantly reduced the risk of having a preterm birth or a low birthweight infant, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Severe periodontal disease causes tooth loss and affects a certain group of people that appear to exhibit increased susceptibility to periodontal destruction, according to a study that appeared in the November Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Smoking a hookah also known as a water pipe is becoming an increasingly trendy menu item in Mediterranean restaurants, cafes and bars. People should be warned to "skip this course" according to a study that appeared in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) announced today a $1 million commitment to the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation (AAPF) in support of initiatives to promote academic careers in periodontics.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Beginning in 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. This additional amount of daylight may also help extend the life and health of people’s teeth and bones. That’s because vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure. Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones according to a paper that was published in the September issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina – Periodontal disease – a progressive, eventually painful and disruptive condition in which bacteria attack gums and the hidden roots of teeth – develops much earlier than dentists and other health professionals thought, a major new study concludes.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Postmenopausal women may significantly reduce tooth loss by controlling their periodontal disease, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology.

ROCHESTER, New York – The May issue of the prestigious high impact journal Diabetes includes a research study on periodontal disease submitted by a group of dental and medical researchers D. A. Mahamed et al., led by Dr. Andy Teng, an Associate Professor at Eastman Department of Dentistry (EDD) and several of his graduate students from the University of Rochester/Eastman Dental Center.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers have found evidence that the amount of bacteria in subgingival plaques, the deep plaques in periodontal pockets and around the teeth, may contribute to an individual’s risk of a heart attack, according to two studies appearing in the Journal of Periodontology. These studies further researchers' understanding that periodontal bacteria may increase the risk for heart disease.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers from New York University found that certain bacteria from the mouth may be related to preterm delivery and low birthweight according to a study in the American Academy of Periodontology'sJournal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – Periodontal inflammation plays a possible role in the development of preeclampsia, a potentially deadly condition that affects approximately 5 percent of U. S. pregnancies, according to a study in the American Academy of Periodontology'sJournal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – As the scientific community is seeking alternatives to antibiotic treatment, periodontal researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is advantageous for suppressing anaerobic bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases according to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois Research is racing to help healthcare professionals further understand how periodontal diseases are linked to cardiovascular disease. A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Periodontology explains another reason why people with periodontal diseases are at a significant risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania--Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

CHICAGO, Illinois-A recent study shows that senior citizens with severely inflamed gums are more likely to suffer from unintended weight loss, increasing their risk for health complications. The study was published in the April 2004 issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics.

CHICAGO, Illinois Researchers found that women undergoing ovulation induction for infertility treatment for more than three menstrual cycles experience higher gingival inflammation, bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). This study appeared in the recent issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois People with deep periodontal pockets had an increased risk for electrocardiographic abnormalities (ECG) according to a recent study printed in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

STANFORD, Calif. – Even biology majors may not have heard much about archaea. Along with bacteria and eukarya (which encompass every organism from fungi to mammals), the elusive microbes make up one of the three domains of life. Now researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have for the first time tied a specific disease to one of these unfamiliar organisms.

CHICAGO, Illinois Many Americans are spending their tax refunds on periodontal plastic surgery, according to an online poll of consumers conducted recently on the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Web site.

OTTAWA, Ontario – Gum disease is a chronic infection that rarely shows symptoms before it is well advanced and it is an infection that can wreak havoc on your teeth and your overall health.

CHICAGO, Illinois Many women report an increase in gingival inflammation and discomfort associated with their menstrual cycle, according to findings published in the March Journal of Periodontology. This is the first time this well-known phenomenon has ever been studied. What we found is that several women reported considerable oral symptoms prior to menses, said Eli E. Machtei, D.M.D., Unit of Periodontology Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Rambam Medical Center and Technion Faculty of Medicine.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – More than two hundred and fifty dentists province-wide will offer free services to low-income working adults on the second annual Community Dental Day, Tuesday, April 27.A growing body of scientific evidence connects gum disease, also called periodontal disease, to a myriad of health problems such as pneumonia and chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.

CHICAGO, Illinois At this time of year, people are either benefiting from their New Years resolution to eat correctly or in need of encouragement. Since Nutrition Month Awareness is in March, its a good time to restart the program. And, eating correctly not only reduces risks of diabetes and heart disease, it benefits oral health as well.

CHICAGO, Illinois A blood test is often given during a medical checkup to reveal indicators of general health conditions. In a recent study reported in the December Journal of Periodontology (JOP), Japanese researchers found that a blood test may also reveal indicators of periodontal diseases.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Significant technological advances in the areas of data access, retrieval, and management have improved periodontists' abilities to objectively assess information and stimulate innovation. The challenges for today's practitioner are to keep abreast of research advances and to continually incorporate these new concepts into patient care.

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Scientists at The Forsyth Insitute have discovered that a compound found in scorpion venom significantly inhibits bone loss found in a model of advanced periodontal disease. The compound may also one day be useful in allaying the bone-destroying effects of inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the research suggests.

CHICAGO, Illinois – If you constantly exhibit anger and are a social hermit, such stressors might put your oral health at risk, according to a study in this month's Journal of the American Dental Association .

CHICAGO, Illinois – Swedish researchers may have found why tobacco smoking impairs the outcome of surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy. According to the findings published in the Journal of Periodontology, smokers will want to quit before oral surgery in preparation for a prompt recovery. "In this study we investigated the relationship between tobacco smoking and the inflammatory response in smokers who consumed 10 to 20 cigarettes per day," said Michael P. Rethman, DDS, MS, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). "What we found in tobacco smokers is that the body's defense mechanism was weakened, whereas the defense mechanism in non-smokers promoted a more favorable healing response."

CHICAGO, Illinois – Eighty percent of American adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, but the beginning symptoms are usually painless, so many who are at risk do not recognize the signs and stages, according to a report in the September/October 2003 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

OTTAWA, Ontario – Does the thought of biting into an ice cream cone, or sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee cause your toes to curl in anticipation of the short, sharp pain that often follows? If so, you may be among the 30% of the population that suffers from "dentin hypersensitivity" or sensitive teeth.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers at the University of Michigan may have found how gene therapy can help restore the damage caused by advanced periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that destroys the gums and bone supporting the teeth, allowing millions of Americans to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Are you making special plans for you and your loved one or hoping to find someone to whisper sweet nothings to on Valentine's Day? If so, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is offering a few tips to ensure your breath doesn't put a damper on one of the most romantic days of the year.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Canadian researchers found that patients with Kindler syndrome had an earlier onset of periodontitis and that the disease progressed more rapidly than in non-Kindler patients. Study findings were published in the January Journal of Periodontology.

TORONTO, Ontario – Three out of four adults will experience gum disease at some time in their life. The good news is that it can often be prevented or treated by your dentist. You can reduce your chances of getting gum disease by watching for the signs, seeing your dentist regularly and by quitting smoking now.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Austrian researchers found that learning about a patient's stress coping strategies could help physicians with proper diagnosis and treatment of some medical conditions.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Many times dentists and periodontists have patients with complex clinical problems that require the attention of multiple disciplines. A case report published in this month's Journal of Periodontology is the first reported case that demonstrates how orthodontic regenerative combined therapy offered the best option for a complex situation.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Holiday stressors such as gift giving, job losses and a flailing economy could make your pockets deeper than you thought this holiday season. Periodontal pockets that is, otherwise known as the spaces between your teeth and gums caused by an oral bacterial infection.

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Researchers at The Forsyth Institute have embarked on a landmark study to assess the relative effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment for periodontitisthe advanced form of periodontal disease that affects nearly a third of U.S. adults over age 35.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Clinicians from the University at Buffalo may have saved a 48-year-old man from an unexpected stroke or heart attack by examining and diagnosing a malignant lesion on his gums. Unforeseen complications after the removal of a cancerous tumor lead to the subsequent diagnosis of protein S deficiency, a disorder whereby the body's naturally occurring anticoagulants are not able to prevent blood clotting.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation recently named Robert DePoi, MSD, recipient of the 2002 Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence. DePoi, who received his MSD and Certificate in Periodontics from the Indiana University School of Dentistry, maintains a private practice in Victoria Australia.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation has named Paulo M. Camargo, DDS, 2002 recipient of the Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship. The $30,000 fellowship is a career development award for outstanding academic periodontists. Dr. Camargo has been an assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry periodontics section since 1996, where he is also associate director of the clinical research center. He also maintains a private practice in Los Angeles.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – Emerging trends in periodontal (gum) disease diagnosis and therapy will influence the way dentists manage their patients, says Jon B. Suzuki, DDS, PhD, MBA to dental professionals here attending the 143rd Annual Session of the American Dental Association (ADA).

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers from the Eastman Dental Institute at the University College in London identified severe periodontitis in a person with Marfan's syndrome, a rare heredity disorder that causes connective tissues to be weaker than normal. The case report is published in the July issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

SOUTHBOROUGH, Massachusetts – Recent studies show a relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low-weight babies. In fact, pregnant women who have moderate to severe periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to deliver a premature child, according to a five-year study conducted at the University of North Carolina.

CHICAGO, Illinois – A case report published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology provides another reason why abnormalities in the mouth such as swollen or bleeding gums and oral sores should be taken seriously.

ROCKVILLE, Maryland – More than 75 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, you might lose your teeth. The bottom line? If you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums.

A number of products are available to control infection and reduce inflammation.

FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts – The The Forsyth Institute of Boston, in collaboration with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts, will begin a landmark study this month, comparing surgical and medical treatments for gum disease. The $2 million five-year study, funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (a division of the National Institutes of Health), will weigh the benefits, risks, and limits of both surgical and medical approaches to gum disease, as they are used in real-world clinical practice. This first-of-its-kind study will be conducted in the metro Framingham area.

CHICAGO, Illinois – When you are 26, tooth loss is not likely to be a major concern in your life. However, based on results of a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology, about one in seven 26-year-olds already has well-established periodontal disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

SEATTLE, Washington – A thorough study suggests there is little or no connection between periodontal disease and risk of coronary heart disease, according to researchers at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

CHICAGO, Illinois – A study released today in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that people who consume less than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C have slightly higher rates of periodontal disease. Researchers analyzed vitamin C intakes and periodontal disease indicators in 12,419 U.S. adults. They found that patients who consumed less than the recommended 60 mg per day (about one orange) were at nearly one-and-a-half times the risk of developing severe gingivitis as those who consumed three times the RDA (more than 180 mg). Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, and it causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Adults who consume at least three servings of calcium each day have another reason to smile. A study published in the newly released Journal of Periodontology found that people who get enough calcium have significantly lower rates of periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss.

ADELAIDE, South Australia – A world-first study by Australian dental researchers has discovered a link between taking aspirin and protection against gum disease. The study, by Dr Arthur Drouganis and Dr Robert Hirsch at Adelaide University's Dental School, shows that even ex-smokers can benefit from small doses of aspirin.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Severe periodontal inflammation is often seen in children with Down syndrome (DS). A study released today in the February issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that various periodontal bacteria colonize in the early childhood of people with DS. And, P. gingivalis, a type of bacteria with a strong correlation to severe periodontal disease, increases in prevalence with age in those with DS, playing an important role in the onset of periodontal disease.

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – The good news: more people than ever are keeping their natural teeth into old age. The not-so-good news: the longer people keep their teeth, the more likely they are to develop periodontal (gum) problems.

CHICAGO, Illinois – A study released today in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that frequent dental visits following initial periodontal treatment may significantly reduce gingival overgrowth in patients taking nifedipine, a commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gums become swollen and "grow over" the teeth.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Postmenopausal women weighing the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy may be able to add another benefit to their list – protecting their teeth. A study published in the current issue of The Journal of Periodontology released today suggests that estrogen supplementation in women within five years of menopause may slow the progression of periodontal disease.

CHICAGO, Illinois – High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease, according to a study released today in the current issue of the Journal of Periodontology. After accounting for other risk factors – such as age, gender, smoking, poor dental care and diabetes – those who reported high levels of financial strain and poor coping behaviors had higher levels of attachment loss and alveolar bone loss (signs of periodontal disease) than those with low levels of financial strain.

NICE, France – Two studies by researchers in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine show that people with low levels of Vitamin C in their diets, and those who had too little calcium as young adults, appear to have nearly twice the risk of developing periodontal disease later in life than people with higher dietary levels of either nutrient.