Association of vitamin D deficiency with dental caries and recurrent oral ulcers in children

Vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and modulating immune responses, both of which are fundamental to oral and dental health. Recent research indicates that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to an increased susceptibility to dental caries and recurrent aphthous ulcers in pediatric populations. To evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels, dental caries experience, and recurrent oral ulcers in children aged 6–12 years. A comparative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 100 children. Fifty children with clinically diagnosed vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) constituted the vitamin D-deficient group, while 50 children with sufficient vitamin D levels (≥ 30 ng/mL) constituted the vitamin D-sufficient group. Dental caries experience was recorded using the dmft/DMFT index, and history of recurrent oral ulcers was documented using a structured questionnaire. Independent t-test and chi-square test were applied for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Mean serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in Vitamin D–deficient children(15.6 ± 2.8 ng/mL) than in Vitamin D–sufficient children (32.4 ± 4.1 ng/mL; p < 0.001).The mean dmft/DMFT score was higher among deficient children (5.12 ± 1.4) compared to Vitamin D–sufficient children (2.48 ± 1.1) ( p = 0.003). Recurrent oral ulcers were reported in 42% of vitamin D–deficient children versus 12% in vitamin D–sufficient children ( p < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher dental caries experience and increased prevalence of recurrent oral ulcers in children.Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher dental caries experience and increased prevalence of recurrent oral ulcers in children.