Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for delayed tooth eruption associated with persistent primary tooth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endocrinology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Dental development and eruption are complex processes influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, impacting various physiological processes.
• Variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and serum 25(OH)D levels have been implicated in several health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with dental developmental disturbances.
• To determine if low 25(OH)D levels or specific VDR gene polymorphisms are risk factors for persistent primary tooth (PPT) and delayed tooth eruption (DTE).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study evaluated 183 children across two datasets.
• Dataset 1 assessed the association between PPT, serum 25(OH)D levels, and VDR polymorphisms.
• Dataset 2 analyzed VDR polymorphisms (rs2228570, rs739837) in children with DTE versus controls, using T-tests and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• Children with PPT exhibited significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels compared to controls (p=.047).
• Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher likelihood of presenting PPT (OR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.51, 3.70).
• No significant association was found between the studied VDR polymorphisms (rs739837, rs2228570) and delayed tooth eruption.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is identified as a significant risk factor for persistent primary tooth (PPT).
• The findings highlight the importance of adequate vitamin D levels for normal dental development and eruption.
• Further research may explore targeted interventions for vitamin D deficiency to prevent dental anomalies.