Relationship between folic acid intake and gingival health in non-smokers

Objectives: Little is known about the influence of folic acid deficiency on gingival health in non-smokers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between folic acid intake and gingival health in non-smokers.

Methods: The study consisted of 497 dentate residents, mean age 50.2±14.8 years. They were non-smokers who participated in the National Nutrition Survey, Japan (NNS-J) in 2004. For the assessment of gingival health, CPI scores and bleeding on probing (BOP) were examined. Dietitians visited individual households to collect the data about nutrition intake. A precise weighing method was used to record food intake. Nutrient intake as protein, carbohydrate, fat, folic acid, iron, calcium, salt, energy and vitamin A, B1, B2 and C was calculated based on the standard tables of food composition in Japan. Student's t-test, spearman's coefficient and stepwise multiple regression were applied to analyze the data.

Results: The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that less intake of folic acid was significantly associated with the increase in BOP (ß=-0.204, p<0.001). Numbers of BOP positive site were more prevalent in older age (ß=0.147, p<0.01) and males (ß=-0.106, p<0.05) than in younger age and females, respectively. No relationship was found between CPI scores and independent variables.

Conclusion: Less folic acid intake is associated with gingival bleeding tendency in non-smokers. The findings may provide an important clinical target for intervention to promote oral health.