Study
Larissa Steigmann, Željka Perić Kačarević, Jessica Khoury, Katalin Nagy, Magda Feres
Personalized medicine, preventive screening, and micronutrition: the role of vitamin D in dental health
This review discussed the benefit of implementing preventive and individualized therapies for the dentists and patients. The integration of personalized medicine into dental care is transforming how oral health issues are diagnosed and treated, by emphasizing individualized care, preventive screening, and the use of micronutrients, with a special focus on vitamin D. These preventative concepts improve early diagnostic accuracy, allow proper monitoring of the health status and help preventing disease progression or rather emergence.
Background: personalized medicine in dental care
Personalized medicine in dentistry involves tailoring treatments based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This method aims to enhance early diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes by recognizing the specific needs of each patient. By identifying biomarkers, such as those found in saliva or blood (e.g. proinflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-8, MMP-8), dental professionals can detect diseases at an earlier stage, which is crucial for preventing conditions like periodontitis and caries. Micronutrition, particularly vitamin D, plays a critical role in maintaining oral health. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function, all of which are vital for healthy teeth and gums. Ensuring adequate levels of vitamin D can help prevent a range of oral health issues, including periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Aim: preventive screening and Point-of-Care testing
Aim of the review is to properly assess the impact of preventative approaches in relation to dentistry. Preventive screening is a critical aspect of personalized medicine, allowing for the early detection of oral health issues before they develop into more serious conditions. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is particularly beneficial in this context. POCT provides immediate results, enabling quick decision-making and personalized treatment plans. The simplicity and minimal-invasiveness of finger prick blood biomarker testing like vitamin rapid tests make it a valuable tool in routine dental check-ups, helping to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and adjust them as necessary.
Results: methodical procedure in personalized dental care
The development of new point-of-care technologies allows clinicians to test marker levels directly in their offices, eliminating the need for external labs and enabling rapid diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. This advancement reduces chair time, enhancing efficiency and productivity for dental staff while improving the patient experience by minimizing discomfort and inconvenience. Patients benefit from fewer appointments and more efficient scheduling, leading to better overall outcomes. The interdisciplinary workflow that begins in the dental office promotes thorough pre-appointment preparation, reducing the likelihood of missed screenings or skipped follow-up consultations. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient, including genetic testing and lifestyle evaluation. This is followed by preventive screening using POCT, where biomarkers are analyzed to detect early signs of disease. Based on these results, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include micronutrient supplementation like vitamin D to enhance treatment outcomes and support overall oral health.
Exemplar workflow of a dental treatment plan with integrated personalized approach
Conclusion
By embracing personalized medicine, preventive screening, and the strategic use of micronutrients, dental care can become more effective, reducing the incidence of oral diseases and improving patient outcomes. Utilizing biomarkers and point-of-care technologies such as vitamin D, clinicians can improve early diagnostic accuracy and tailor treatments to individual needs. Bridging oral and systemic health is emphasized as a key strategy to enhance patient quality of life, underscoring the need for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration in dentistry.
