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European Journal of Pediatrics

Open Access 15-11-2023 | Caries | REVIEW

Dental caries in children and vitamin D deficiency: a narrative review

Authors: Teodoro Durá-Travé, Fidel Gallinas-Victoriano

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics

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Abstract

Dental caries represents one of the most prevalent health problems in childhood. Numerous studies have assessed that vitamin D deficiency is highly related to dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children. The aim of this study is to elaborate a narrative review about proposed mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency interacts with dental caries process in children. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may cause intrauterine enamel defects, and through childhood is accompanied by insufficient activity of antibacterial peptides, decreased saliva secretion, and a low level of calcium in saliva.
  Conclusion: In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency would increase the risk of caries in the primary and/or permanent dentition. Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and dental caries is evident enough for vitamin D deficiency to be considered as a risk factor for dental caries in children. Optimal levels of vitamin D throughout pregnancy and childhood may be considered an additional preventive measure for dental caries in the primary and permanent dentition.
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Metadata
Title
Dental caries in children and vitamin D deficiency: a narrative review
Authors
Teodoro Durá-Travé
Fidel Gallinas-Victoriano
Publication date
15-11-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Pediatrics
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-05331-3
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