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Scientific Article Review:
Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review
Published In: Nutrients
Publication Year: 2020
Study Design
This article is a comprehensive literature review synthesizing data from preclinical and clinical studies on the impact of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) on oral health.
Funding Sources
The authors declare that the research received no external funding.
PICO Framework - what was studied and how?
Population
Individuals affected by vitamin D deficiency across various stages of life, including children, pregnant women, orthodontic patients, and individuals with oral diseases.
Intervention
Correction of vitamin D deficiency through supplementation or diet.
Comparison
Absence of vitamin D supplementation or dietary correction.
Outcomes
- Reduction in dental caries.
- Improved enamel and dentin mineralization.
- Better periodontal health and decreased inflammation.
- Enhanced outcomes in oral surgeries and orthodontic procedures.
In Paragraph Form:
This review evaluates populations impacted by vitamin D deficiency, particularly children, pregnant women, and individuals with periodontitis or undergoing orthodontic care. It compares the effects of vitamin D supplementation versus no supplementation, focusing on outcomes such as decreased dental caries, enhanced mineralization of teeth, reduced periodontal inflammation, and improved success in oral surgeries and treatments.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Studies addressing vitamin D's role in oral health.
- Research on caries, periodontitis, enamel defects, and orthodontic outcomes.
Exclusion Criteria
- Studies unrelated to oral health or vitamin D's systemic effects.
- Research lacking clinical or preclinical evidence on oral conditions.
Study Demographics and Design
The review consolidates data from various demographics, including:
- Pregnant women (examining prenatal vitamin D impact on children).
- Children with deciduous teeth.
- Adults with periodontitis or undergoing orthodontic treatments.
- Individuals with oral cancers or osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Sample sizes vary across included studies, with randomized clinical trials and observational studies forming the core evidence base.
Primary Outcome Variables and Results
Outcome: Dental Caries Reduction
Vitamin D supplementation reduced caries risk by up to 47% in children (low certainty) and was associated with fewer caries in populations with optimal vitamin D levels.
Outcome: Enamel and Dentin Defects
- Severe VDD in children resulted in higher enamel defects (p < 0.05).
- Maternal vitamin D supplementation reduced enamel hypoplasia by 50% in newborns.
Outcome: Periodontal Health
- Patients with higher vitamin D levels showed 20% less gum bleeding (p < 0.01).
- Supplementation decreased salivary cytokines and inflammation biomarkers before periodontal treatments.
Outcome: Orthodontic Success
Animal studies suggest that local vitamin D application accelerates tooth movement and improves alveolar bone remodeling.
Conclusions
- VDD is strongly linked to increased dental caries, periodontal disease, and enamel defects.
- Maternal and early-life vitamin D supplementation may have preventive benefits.
- Baseline VDD can compromise the success of periodontal and orthodontic treatments.
Further studies are needed to establish clinical guidelines for vitamin D correction in oral health.
Discussion
Strengths
- Comprehensive review of diverse oral health impacts.
- Integration of preclinical and clinical data.
Weaknesses
- Variation in study designs limits direct comparisons.
- Lack of large-scale clinical trials to confirm vitamin D's therapeutic efficacy in oral health.
Citation
Botelho J, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1471. PubMed
Visual Aids
Chart: Key Outcomes and Their Impact
| Outcome | Vitamin D Impact | p-Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Caries Reduction | ↓ Risk by 47% | < 0.05 |
| Enamel Defects in Newborns | ↓ Hypoplasia by 50% | < 0.05 |
| Periodontal Bleeding | ↓ Bleeding by 20% | < 0.01 |
| Orthodontic Movement | ↑ Tooth Movement Speed | N/A |
