Salivary Vitamin D3 and Statherin as Potential Biomarkers for Caries Risk in Children 6–12 Years of Age: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Aim: Childhood dental caries affects over 621 million children globally and poses significant challenges in early diagnosis and prevention. Salivary biomarkers such as vitamin D3 and statherin are pivotal in enamel mineralization and caries prevention, yet their diagnostic potential in children with mixed dentition remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the association of salivary vitamin D3 and statherin levels with dental caries in children aged 6–12 years and explore their potential as early biomarkers of caries risk. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 children (100 caries-free and 100 with caries) aged 6–12 years recruited from Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Caries assessment was conducted using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores. Analysis of vitamin D3 and statherin in the unstimulated salivary samples was done using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the chi-square test, independent sample t -test, and Pearson’s correlation. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Children with caries exhibited significantly lower mean salivary statherin levels (4.34 ± 1.36 ng/mL) compared to caries-free children (5.18 ± 1.85 ng/mL; P = 0.016; Cohen’s d = 0.51). Similarly, mean salivary vitamin D3 levels were lower in the caries group (2.02 ± 0.90 ng/mL) than in the caries-free group (2.57 ± 1.33 ng/mL; P = 0.005; Cohen’s d = 0.48). The frequency of tooth brushing varied significantly between groups ( P = 0.013), while DMFT scores were significantly higher in the caries group ( P < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 2.76). A weak negative correlation was observed between DMFT scores and both salivary statherin ( r = −0.069; P = 0.5) and vitamin D3 levels ( r = −0.198; P = 0.06). Conclusion: Salivary levels of vitamin D3 and statherin were significantly lower in children with caries, highlighting their potential as noninvasive biomarkers for early caries detection. This study emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including optimal oral hygiene and vitamin D3 supplementation, in reducing caries risk in children.