Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Association with Dental Caries: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.1.12Keywords:
Vitamin D deficiency, dental caries, oral health, DMFS, DMFT,, cross-sectional studyAbstract
Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization, which may influence dental health. Despite extensive research, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and dental caries remains inconsistently reported. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of dental caries in adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 78 adults. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, vitamin D status, and oral health. Dental caries experience was measured using the DMFS and DMFT indices. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses using SPSS. Results: The sample consisted predominantly of females (95%) and individuals under 30 years (86%). A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (96%) and dental caries (95%) was observed. While a significant association was found between vitamin D deficiency and self-reported oral problems (p=0.034), no significant association was found between vitamin D deficiency and the presence of dental caries (p=0.681), gum disease (p=0.925), or history of tooth extractions (p=0.111). Vitamin D levels did not significantly differ across age or gender groups. Conclusion: Despite the high co-prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and dental caries in this cohort, no direct statistical association was established. The findings suggest that while vitamin D deficiency may be linked to general oral health complaints, its specific role in caries etiology warrants further investigation through longitudinal or interventional study designs.
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