Abstract
ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland.Materials and methodsA total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman’s correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05).ResultsA total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC.ConclusionsLower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries.Clinical relevanceThere may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development.
Highlights
Childhood caries (ECC) and severe Early childhood caries (ECC) (S-ECC) represent a significant public health challenge in many countries [1, 2]
A total of 1900 children were invited to participate in the study; 4.8% (n = 92) of the parents/caregivers did not respond to the request for granting permission and 1.1% (n = 22) did not complete the questionnaire
Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with severe ECC (S-ECC) (AOR-3: 0.57, p < 0.001; 1.87, p < 0.001; 0.66, p = 0.005, respectively)
Summary
Childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) represent a significant public health challenge in many countries [1, 2]. They often remain untreated and have an important impact on oral and general health, on body’s growth and development and on the quality of life of families and communities [3]. In Europe, ECC levels vary [4, 5]. In Western Europe, it is at 11.7–14.5% in 3-year-olds and at 31–41% in 5-year-olds [4, 5]. In Poland, the figures for 3-year-olds and 5year-olds are 41.1% and 76.8%, respectively [6, 7]. Some studies have shown an association of low vitamin D levels and dental caries in children, while others have not
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