The relationship between vitamin d and severe early childhood caries: a pilot study.

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2012 Jan;82(1):53-62.

Schroth R, Jeal N, Kliewer E, Sellers E.

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Introduction: Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) routinely require dental surgery. S-ECC is known to affect childhood health and well-being. The objective of this pilot study was to assess vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and determine whether differences exist between children with and without S-ECC.

Methods: During July-September 2008, children undergoing surgery for S-ECC < 72 months of age from southern Manitoba were recruited. Age-matched controls were caries-free. Parents completed an interviewed questionnaire. A serum sample was obtained for 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. This study was approved by the University of Manitoba?s Ethics Board. Statistics included chi-square analysis, t-tests, and multiple and logistic regression. A p value of <= 0.05 was significant.

Results: Thirty-eight children participated (50 % with S-ECC). There was no significant age difference between groups (p = 0.82).

The majority of the entire sample (84.2 %) had inadequate vitamin D levels.

Children with S-ECC had lower concentrations of 25(OH)D (52.9 ± 15.1 nmol/L vs. 64.4 ± 21.3, p = 0.032) and were at twice the odds of having inadequate levels (<75 nmol/L) . Children with S-ECC also had significantly higher PTH levels than caries-free children (53.5 ± 17.6 cm/L vs. 33.9 ± 12.9, p < 0.001). A greater number with S-ECC had elevated PTH levels (68.4 % vs. 21.1 %, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: This pilot study is the first to report differences in 25(OH)D between those with S-ECC and cavity-free controls. Children with S-ECC have lower vitamin D levels and increased PTH levels compared to age-matched controls.

PMID: 22811377

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Comment by Vitamin D Life

Vitamin D Cofactors such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin K2, are also very important in making bone and teeth.

Also helpful are elements which are non cofactors, such as Boron, Silicon, and Strontium

See also Vitamin D Life

• All items in category Dental and Vitamin D items

• All items in category Infants/Children and Vitamin D items

• Vitamin D for children – translated from Spanish – July 2012

• Sunlight for babies – US Govt 1933

• More sunshine: more teeth (1862), fewer cavities (1934) – Oct 2011

• Hypothesis: Periodontal disease is related to vitamin D – 2010 Dr. Grant

• UVB and vitamin D decrease dental problems – Sept 2012 Dr. Grant

• Teeth and vitamin D 2009 book

  • On pages 105-107, she describes how teeth health was known since the 1930's to be improved with vitamin D, sunshine, and full spectrum bulbs in classrooms.

• UVB and Vitamin D might decrease dental caries better than fluoride– July 2011

• Vitamin Deficiency Underlies Tooth Decay – 2009 and 1931

• Vitamin D history back to Egyptians and fortification - Aug 2011

  • Herodotus noticed Egyptians with bare heads had much stronger skulls than Persians

• Even 1,000 IU vitamin D reduced periodontitis – Jan 2011

• 1000 IU helped reduce periodontitis – Sept 2010 similar conclusion as the study above

• Missing molar and 12X increase in breast cancer – probable vitamin D link Aug 2011

• Vitamin D and peridontal - review 2009 PDF

• peridontal disease and latitude - Grant 2010.pdf

• Strontium and vitamin D patented in 2008 for periodontitis, gingivitis