The Interface Between Maternal Vitamin D Status and Early Childhood Caries: A Comprehensive Review from Saudi Arabia

This comprehensive review examines the complex link between maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and thedevelopment of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Saudi Arabia. Both conditions present significant publichealth challenges in the region. The evidence reveals concerning statistics: up to 93.8% of pregnant Saudiwomen exhibit suboptimal vitamin D levels. Meanwhile, ECC affects 60-95% of preschool children acrossvarious regions of Saudi Arabia. Through analysis of current literature, this review establishes that maternalVDD during pregnancy disrupts proper tooth mineralization and enamel formation in developing fetuses. Thisdisruption potentially increases their susceptibility to ECC. The review highlights how cultural practices limitingsun exposure, inadequate dietary intake, and socioeconomic factors contribute to both conditions. Based on thesefindings, we recommend a multi-faceted intervention approach. This includes implementing systematic vitaminD screening and supplementation programs for pregnant women; establishing comprehensive early childhoodoral health initiatives; introducing water fluoridation systems where feasible; and developing culturally sensitivepublic health education campaigns. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies examining the directcausal relationship between maternal VDD and ECC in the Saudi population. At the same time, policy effortsshould prioritize integrating maternal vitamin D status monitoring into prenatal care protocols and expandingaccess to preventive dental services for young children