Nutraceutical Agents on Oral and Periodontal Health and Disease

Diseases of the oral cavity are often associated with speech, chewing and swallowing disorders, with serious repercussions in terms of aesthetics and quality of life. They are caused by some specific bacteria of the oral biofilm, which, following a specific response by the host’s immune system and, for reasons related to genetics and lifestyles, including home oral hygiene habits and diet, determine destruction of hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Recently, an increasing body of evidence has shown a close correlation between periodontal disease and various systemic diseases, including cardiopathies, diabetes, chronic inflammatory diseases and complications of pregnancy, as well as a close relationship between nutrients, diet and periodontal disease. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the close association between diet and oral health and provide a current and thoughtful perspective on the influence of a correct diet for the prevention of periodontal diseases and the role of negative nutrition on the development of periodontal disease diseases. Moreover, it will also be addressed the role of phytotherapeutics and probiotics in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.