Exploring the Link Between Vitamin D and Dental Caries

A recent cross-sectional study, featured in BMC Public Health, delves into the potential correlation between serum vitamin D levels and dental caries as well as molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in Norwegian children aged 7–9 years.

“They did not find a significant association between vitamin D status and the prevalence and number of teeth affected by caries and MIH among the participants.”

Vitamin D’s Role in Oral Health

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization, potentially impacting oral health through tooth development and immune modulation. While previous research suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and dental caries risk, investigations into MIH, an enamel developmental defect, remain scarce.

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“Understanding vitamin D’s influence on oral health is particularly relevant in far-north regions like Norway, where sunlight exposure is limited.”

The study, conducted as part of the TRIP-study, focused on 7–9-year-old children from a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of a pregnancy exercise program on gestational diabetes. Serum 25(OH)D, indicating vitamin D levels, was measured using LC-MS/MS, considered superior for accurate measurements.

“The findings warrant larger prospective studies, incorporating multiple serum vitamin D measurements and oral examinations throughout childhood, to investigate this relationship further.”

Results and Implications

While the study revealed normal parathyroid hormone levels in all children, 27% exhibited insufficient vitamin D levels. However, the prevalence and severity of dental caries and MIH were not significantly associated with vitamin D status.

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“Children with insufficient vitamin D showed higher odds for caries and MIH prevalence, but without statistical significance.”

The study acknowledges limitations, including its cross-sectional design and a relatively small sample size. The findings prompt the need for larger prospective studies, considering multiple serum vitamin D measurements and oral examinations throughout childhood, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between vitamin D and pediatric oral health.