Which of the following nutrients plays a crucial role in tissue repair for periodontal health?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair and plays a vital role in maintaining periodontal health. It is a crucial cofactor for collagen synthesis, which is necessary for the structural integrity and healing of connective tissues, including those in the periodontium. Collagen is a major component of the periodontal ligament and gingival tissues, and sufficient levels of vitamin C are needed to support the formation and maintenance of these structures.

Additionally, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help mitigate oxidative stress in the gingival tissues, which can further enhance healing and repair processes. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to compromised healing and is associated with conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease, where proper tissue repair is critical for maintaining periodontal health.

Other vitamins listed, such as A, D, and E, have roles in overall health and may contribute to various biological functions, but they do not have the same direct and significant impact on collagen production and tissue repair specifically relevant to periodontal health as vitamin C does.