Vitamin D Deficiency and Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report

The occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency is rising constantly, and most pediatric patients are below the required levels. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to inflammatory diseases because it reduces their immunity. The role of vitamin D deficiency in gingival enlargement has been reported in the literature. In this case report, we are describing a case in which a vitamin D supplement has resolved the gingival enlargement significantly without any invasive procedure. A 12-year-old boy reported a chief complaint of swollen gums in the upper and lower front teeth region. On clinical examination, there was minor surface plaque and calculus along with the formation of pseudopockets, but there was no clinical attachment loss. The patient has been advised to undergo laboratory tests for a complete blood profile, including a vitamin assessment. The patient reported after two and a half months with a gingivectomy on the first quadrant at a private clinic. They reported back to us because they didn't want the same trauma from surgery again and wanted a more conservative treatment option. So, on the basis of the reassessment of reports, vitamin D deficiency was confirmed, and treatment was started with 60,000 thousand I/U of vitamin D supplement weekly and advised for sunlight exposure with minimal clothing. There was a significant decrease in enlargement observed after the six-month follow-up period. Vitamin D supplements can be a more conservative treatment option for gingival enlargement of unknown etiology.