The relationship between vitamin D and calcium serum levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children

Abstract

Introduction: There are limited studies with contradictory results on the relationship between vitamin D and calcium levels with dental caries at different ages. Objectives: Given the contradictory results of studies and the importance of preventing the onset and progression of dental caries for oral health, this study aimed to find the relationship between vitamin D and calcium levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-cross sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 on 256 children of 6-12 years old referring to children’s hospital in Tabriz. Serum vitamin D (sufficient, insufficient or deficient) and calcium (sufficient, insufficient) levels were measured for each child, and the relationship between their levels and dental caries was investigated by descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The dental index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in the deficient and insufficient vitamin D groups was significantly higher than in the sufficient vitamin D group (P=0.03). The linear regression model on the effect of age, vitamin D, and calcium on dental indexes showed no significant statistical relationship. However, in the case of the dental index, age, and calcium level affected dental caries (d), but vitamin D did not affect this index. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between calcium and vitamin D serum levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children.