A CAPSULATE ON NUTRIGENOMICS IN PERIODONTITIS

Dr. Kirti Chawla B.D.S., M.D.S., Dr. Shivani Bhardwaj B.D.S. and *Dr. Vishal Garg B.D.S.

ABSTRACT

Periodontal disease is an infectious process which occurs with the presence of bacteria and host response in the tissues surrounding the teeth and is further affected and modified by other local, environmental and genetic factors. Nutritional deficiency and changes in food preference have also been associated with it. It is well recognized that specific nutrients can modify immune and inflammatory responses as it has been associated with periodontitis along with cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. The demand for antioxidant nutrients is increased with increase in the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS) at the time of inflammation which damages cellular tissues and alters the immune-cell function through the regulation of redox-regulated transcription factors. Nutrigenomics, also known as nutritional genomics, is defined as the study of the interaction of food constituents with our genes and how individual genetic attributes react to nutrients and other naturally occurring substances in the diet. It is an upcoming field with its potential to prevent, mitigate and treat chronic diseases using small, yet highly effective dietary change. This article summarizes the recent information regarding the nutrient-gene interactions and how diet triggers the underlying process of severe periodontitis.

Keywords: Nutrigenomics, Diet-gene interaction, Nutrition, Periodontitis, periodontal disease.