Ahead of Dentistry Show London, we spoke with Dr Emily Lu, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology at King's College London, about her upcoming session around the impact of vitamin D on periodontal health.

We discussed why this topic matters for everyday practice, what the evidence tells us so far, and what delegates can expect to take away from the session.

Your presentation is titled “The impact of vitamin D on periodontal health: biological basis and clinical relevance”. Why did you choose that focus, and what message do you hope it conveys to attendees?

My presentation explores vitamin D’s role in oral and periodontal health because growing evidence links vitamin D deficiency with the development and progression of periodontal disease. I’ll highlight the biological mechanisms, including vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and host-modulatory effects, and its clinical relevance in patient care. Ultimately, I want to convey that vitamin D influences not only oral health, but also a patient’s overall well-being.

Your work looks at vitamin D in innate immunity and epithelial defence. How do these mechanisms translate into benefits for periodontal health in clinical practice?

Patients at high risk of deficiency such as older adults, people with darker skin, or those with limited sun exposure should be screened, as deficiency may increase periodontal disease risk. This is particularly relevant for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, which share inflammatory pathways with periodontitis. Screening and awareness of vitamin D status can therefore play an important role in holistic patient management.

From your perspective, what does the current evidence tell us about the link between vitamin D and periodontal health, and how should clinicians apply this knowledge today?

Evidence shows vitamin D is crucial for inflammation control, antimicrobial defence, and bone health. Clinicians should identify patients at higher risk of deficiency and provide advice or interventions that could benefit both oral and systemic health. That said, more robust longitudinal studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation in the context of periodontal disease.

Your session outlines the vitamin D pathway and findings from long-term studies. Which insight will practising dentists find most surprising or useful?

Many clinicians associate vitamin D only with bone health, but it also directly influences antimicrobial peptide production, inflammatory regulation, and epithelial barrier function in the oral cavity. The immunomodulatory role of vitamin D is particularly relevant. While more research is needed to clarify supplementation strategies, clinicians can already consider screening at-risk patients and advising on over-the-counter supplements, which are widely recommended during the winter months.

Maintaining vitamin D levels seems simpler than many clinical interventions. How can this fit into broader patient management strategies?

It can be integrated into broader patient management as a preventative or therapeutic measure. Screening, lifestyle advice, and supplementation guidance can all be incorporated into routine examinations, especially for at-risk groups. Beyond bone health, vitamin D influences immune

function and may affect the progression of chronic conditions, so it fits well into a whole-patient approach to care.

Screening for vitamin D deficiency isn’t yet routine. What advice would you give to clinicians who are unsure about including it in their practice?

Routine screening of low-risk patients isn’t necessary. However, screening or lifestyle assessment for at-risk groups can be valuable. Even without testing, clinicians should maintain awareness of lifestyle factors such as diet, sun exposure, and supplement use that can influence vitamin D levels, and offer advice where appropriate.

What are the biggest challenges in translating vitamin D research into clinical practice?

There are several. First, different agencies use varying thresholds for vitamin D sufficiency, making consensus essential. Second, lifestyle factors - diet, geography, sun exposure - complicate study design. Third, most studies are cross-sectional, so more high-quality clinical trials are needed. Finally, cost, practicality, and awareness remain barriers. Continuing professional education on vitamin D could help bridge this gap.

What is the single most important message you’d like delegates to take away from your session?

That vitamin D supports oral and periodontal health by reducing inflammation, enhancing antimicrobial defence, and maintaining alveolar bone. It’s a simple, modifiable factor that can have a profound effect on both oral and systemic health.

And beyond your own presentation, what are you most looking forward to at Dentistry Show London?

I’m excited to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the event, from exploring the latest innovations and technologies on the exhibition floor to attending educational sessions in areas like digital dentistry, and of course, the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the profession.

Don’t miss Dr Emily Lu’s session at Dentistry Show London on the 4th October at 2.30pm-3.15pm. Register now to secure your place.