Effects of a Dentifrice Containing Vitamin C on Periodontitis in the Rat Model

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence exists for an association between vitamin C intake and periodontal health. Understanding of the effects of vitamin C on periodontitis is important to improving periodontal therapy. We studied the effects of topical application of a dentifrice containing vitamin C on periodontitis in the rat model. Periodontitis was induced in 8-week old male Wistar rats (n=50) with a combination of lipopolysaccharide and proteases. After 4 weeks, rats were divided into 5 groups, receiving topical application of dentifrice containing 0 (periodontitis group) , 1, 2, 3, or 5% vitamin C for 3 weeks. Collagen density increased and polymorphonuclear leukocyte number decreased with increasing concentration of vitamin C, and the 3% and 5% vitamin C treatment groups differed significantly from the periodontitis group in this regard. Gingival expression of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (a marker of oxidative stress) was lower in the 1, 2, 3, or 5% vitamin C treatment groups than in the periodontitis group. These results show that topical application of a dentifrice containing≥3% vitamin C to the gingival margin decreases polymorphonuclear leukocyte numbers and induces collagen synthesis in rat periodontitis. It is conceivable that a dentifrice containing≥1% vitamin C can reduce oxidative stress. Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Soc Periodontol) 48 : 201-207, 2006.