Assessment of Vitamin C Levels in Periodontal Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestine

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the health of gingival and periodontal tissues due to its antioxidant potential. AIM: To assess the levels of vitamin C in different stages and grades of periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study follows a cross-sectional study design and was conducted in a private dental clinic in Palestine. The present study involves the collection of serum to assess the vitamin C deficiency in patients with existing periodontal diseases. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the difference in the vitamin C levels in various stages and grades of periodontitis. P value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was a significantly lower vitamin C level in patients with Stage IV periodontitis as compared to the early stages of periodontitis. However, there was no difference between the other stages of periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C deficiency might be considered as one of the risk factors in periodontitis.