Evaluation of the relationship between severe early childhood caries and vitamin D

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between the factors affecting the formation of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in preschool children, dental caries and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and to contribute to the literature on this subject.

Methods

ASA I-II children aged <72 months and their volunteer parents who had no apparent learning disability were included in the study. 25(OH)D, calcium and albumin levels were measured from the serum samples taken from the children. Dft, dfs and plaque scores were calculated after the oral examination of the children. Parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire assessing the child's dietary habits and family demographics.

Results

Total of 175 children (56% male) participating in the study (n = 98; ECC, n = 77; caries-free). S-ECC was present in 42.8% of children with adequate 25(OH)D levels and 63.4% of children with deficient or insufficient levels. Children with S-ECC had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels than those caries-free. A very weak negative correlation was detected between 25(OH)D level and dft score.

Conclusions

It was difficult to confirm the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and S-ECC. Again, there was a weak correlation between the dft score and 25(OH)D levels.