Clinical Implications of Vitamin D in Oral Diseases-A Review

Oral health is a reflection of systemic health. The various nutritional deficiencies not only affect the systemic health but also have an impact on oral health. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is rampant globally. Vitamin D (VD) is not only essential for skeletal growth during childhood and adulthood but has a great impact on oral tissues and odontogenesis. VDD has several implications on oral health from childhood to adulthood. VD can negatively influence the oral health of the mother and child and VD supplementation brings positive outcomes during and after pregnancy. In children, severe VDD can impair tooth mineralization, resulting in defects of enamel and dentin and predispose patients to caries. A remarkably high prevalence of periodontitis is seen in VDD and has implications on systemic health as well. A high prevalence of VDD is seen in oropharyngeal cancers. This review aims to provide the biological role of VD and its receptor, its implication on oral health and future strategies for targeted therapies in oral pathologies.

Automated summary

Vitamin D deficiency not only affects systemic health, but also has implications on oral health for both children and adults. Studies show that supplementing with Vitamin D during pregnancy and afterwards has positive effects on oral health for mothers and children. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to poor tooth mineralization, defects in enamel and dentin, and an increased risk of cavities.