Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Dental Caries and Salivary Parameters

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and a major global health problem. Dental caries is associated with vitamin D deficiency and its pathophysiologic processes. This research aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on dental caries experience concerning selected physicochemical characteristics (pH, flow rate, calcium ion, and phosphorus ion). Materials and Methods: A case-control study was carried out. The sample comprised 80 females; the study group involved 40 females with a serum vitamin D concentration of less than 10 ng/ml. In addition to the control group involving 40 females who matched the case in number and age but serum vitamin D concentration 30 ng/mol or more, their age range was 20-30 years old. Results: Data from the current study showed that the mean values of the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surface index and its components (Decayed Surface, Missing Surface) were higher in the study group than those in the control one, highly significant for Decayed Surface. The salivary pH and flow rate were less in the study group than those in the control with statistically significant differences. Both salivary calcium and phosphorous were lower in the study group than in the control with significant differences for phosphorus ions and highly significant for calcium ions. Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that vitamin D deficiency has a significant effect on dental caries experience in addition to changes in salivary level to selected physicochemical characteristics (pH, flow rate, calcium ion, and phosphorus ion). There is a need for adequate awareness regarding oral hygiene; specifically, the effective preventive measures could help reduce the effect of vitamin D deficiency on oral health.