Magnesium/Calcium Ratio in Serum Predicts Periodontitis and Tooth Loss in a 5-Year Follow-up

In the cross-sectional Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0), subjects with an adequate magnesium supply had a lower risk of periodontal disease and more teeth than those with low magnesium levels. The authors analyzed 5-y follow-up data (SHIP-1) to determine whether the baseline magnesium levels had a long-term effect on attachment level and number of teeth lost. Of the participants examined dentally in the baseline study, 3,300 (75%) were examined for progression or recession of periodontal attachment level after 5 y. For 2,432 subjects, the authors related the outcome variables of periodontal attachment level and tooth loss to baseline characteristics, especially serum magnesium and calcium concentrations, as well as systemic markers of inflammation. The progression of periodontitis was associated with the magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) ratio at baseline in a dose-dependent manner. Progression of mean attachment loss was prevented in the upper quartile of the Mg/Ca ratio (P < 0.001) with antagonistic effect...