Improvement in periodontal healing after periodontal surgery supported by nutritional supplement drinks

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional supplements on periodontal health and tooth mobility after surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group who consumed nutritional supplement drinks for 8 weeks, while the placebo group did not receive any such supplements. The gingival index (GI) and tooth mobility were measured at baseline and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks. In addition, the oral health impact profile-14 and anthropometric measurements along with loss of appetite and dietary intake were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: At 1 week, GI values were reduced in the intervention group (P<0.05), and tooth mobility had increased, but to a lesser extent in the intervention group (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the intakes of protein, vitamins A and B1, and niacin were increased in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that nutritional supplementation improves early periodontal healing after surgery. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]