Polymorphism in Vitamin D Receptor Gene and Their Relation to Streptococcus mutans in Deciduous Teeth Decay among Egyptian Children

Abstract

Background: Multiple factors play a role in the dental decay occurrence, including microorganisms, diet, oral hygiene, medical conditions, and lack of important nutrients, such as vitamin D. Objectives: correlation between VDR gene and Streptococcus mutans count in children deciduous teeth decay. Methodology: Cross sectional study from January 2018 till January 2019. One hundred and fifty children were involved and divided into two groups; group I: 75 patients with deciduous tooth decay; and group II: 75 children free from dental caries as a control group. Saliva sample for Streptococcus mutans detection and buccal cells sample for vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (VDR) assay were taken from each patient. Results: S. mutans count was higher in cases than control group and showed statistically significant difference (p=0.0002). Frequency of GG genotype was higher in control (86.7%) than cases group (64.0%) while GT genotype was higher in cases (36.0%) than control group (13.3%). Risk ratio of GT/GG in cases vs control was significant (p=0.001). Conclusions: GT genotype supports the growth of some bacteria in the oral cavity. S. mutans count was higher in GT genotype, so people with GT genotype are more susceptible to develop dental caries by 3.65-fold and suffer from more DMFT. Susceptibility people should increase care of mouth hygiene.