Prospective evaluation of vitamin D levels in dental treated patients: A screening study

The available epidemiological data indicates the existence of numerous tooth deficiencies and periodontopathies in the Polish population. Successful surgical treatment is dependent upon multiple factors, including bone quality, which is affected by vitamin D - one of the regulators of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism.

The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective evaluation of the levels of vitamin D among patients receiving dental treatment for various reasons (conservative, surgical or prosthodontic treatment).

The study involved 60 patients, who, for various reasons, were admitted for dental treatment for over a 1-week period in the summer season. A thorough interview together with a periodontological examination consisting of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements, were conducted. A total of 2 mL of blood was collected from each patient to determine the concentrations of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, magnesium (Mg), and P in the blood with the use of mass spectrometry.

Among the 60 patients enrolled in the study, 53 (88.3%) showed vitamin D deficiency and 18 (30%) showed a concentration below 17.8 ng/mL, which is an independent general mortality factor. The difference in the level of vitamin D between group A (without periodontitis) and group B (with periodontitis) was not statistically significant (p = 0.076), but a tendency for lower vitamin D levels in people with periodontitis was observed. We also observed a tendency for periodontal disease to occur more often with extreme vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/mL) (p = 0.730).

Low levels of vitamin D are present in a large proportion of dental patients, and an increase in the incidence of periodontal disease is likely associated with a decrease in the level of vitamin D.