National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Periodontal disease can be more severe in patients that smoke when they are deficient in which vitamin?

1. Vitamin D

2. Vitamin C

3. Vitamin A

4. Vitamin K

The correct answer is: Vitamin C

Smoking has a significant impact on periodontal health, and its effects can be exacerbated by a deficiency in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a vital protein that helps maintain the integrity of gingival tissues. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to impaired wound healing and increased inflammation, which can aggravate the progression of periodontal disease. In patients who smoke, the detrimental effects of smoking combine with the adverse effects of Vitamin C deficiency, resulting in more severe periodontal conditions. Smoking itself contributes to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, further complicating the body's ability to heal and maintain healthy gums. In contrast, while Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, the specific link to periodontal disease severity in smokers is not as direct as it is with Vitamin C. Vitamins A and K play roles in immune response and blood coagulation, respectively, but their deficiency does not directly correlate with the severe effects seen in the context of periodontal disease and smoking as Vitamin C does.