Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: What Is the Dentist to Do?

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitamins and minerals are essential for systemic and oral health and the prevention of nutrient deficiencies. The author reviews recommendations for their use, consumer intake patterns and considerations for dental practice.ConclusionsVitamin and mineral supplements are designed to treat and prevent deficiency syndromes and promote health. Consumers frequently misuse them, as they are guided by the belief that these supplements will prevent diseases and cure symptoms. Scientific evidence demonstrates their limited usefulness in systemic disease prevention or treatment. The author reviews demonstrated benefits in select diseases.Clinical ImplicationsBeing familiar with the appropriate uses of vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as nutrient-supplement and drug-supplement interactions, will give dental professionals the knowledge to question and advise patients using evidence-based resources.