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.