Effects of zinc deficiency on oral and periodontal diseases in rats

Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, and
2Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Atatürk
University, Erzurum, Turkey

Dr Cankat Kara, Atatürk Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi,
Periodontoloji Anabilim Dalı 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
Tel: +90 442231 1902
Fax: +90 442212 2380
e-mail: mcankat@hotmail.com

Conclusion: The findings indicated that oral health was better in
group II rats (those fed with a zinc-containing diet) than in group I
(zinc-deficient) rats. Hyperkeratinization was more prominent in
zinc-deficient rats. We suggest that zinc deficiency is a potential
risk factor for oral and periodontal diseases.