Nutrition status can play a major role in how well patients heal from surgery. Insufficient amounts of certain nutrients can mean poor healing for patients who have dental implant or gum disease surgery. This article was an update on how nutrition can influence post surgical healing.
For example, gluten-free diets may be deficient in B vitamins, fiber, iron and trace minerals. A vegan or vegetarian diet may also present problems in terms of healing, if the patient’s protein and B vitamins intake are not adequate.
Vitamin D has been shown to play an important role in bone mineral density, bone remolding, and proper bone forming cell function. Vitamin D is also anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties. The less vitamin D you have the more you are likely to have gingivitis and gum disease.
The main nutrients needed for soft tissue (gum) healing are: Biotin, Copper, Chromium, Sulfur, Vitamin A, Bs, C, E, K, and P, Essential Amino Acids, and Fatty Acids.
The main nutrients involved in hard tissue (bone) healing are: Boron, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Vitamins A, C, D, K, and trace minerals and Zinc.
Enzymes can decrease inflammation and accelerate healing by up to 50%. Additionally, Bromelian can similarly decrease pain and inflammation similar to NSAIDs without GI side effects.
A diet high in sugar delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection.
Understanding the role of nutritional status, the judicial use of foods, supplements, and enzymes can speed healing, reduce inflammation, and infection for any of your post-surgical recovery and general health.
Sandra Moldovan, DDS, MS, CNS. Inside Dentistry, July 2015.
For more information on this topic as well as others, please come and talk to us. We also have an extended library in our waiting room area, which is available to all our patients.
Print