The Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Oral Manifestations in Children.

2024-04-17
Dentistry journal 12(4)
- Stjepanka Lešić
- Zrinka Ivanišević
- Bruno Špiljak
- Matej Tomas
- Magdalena Šoštarić
- Aleksandar Včev

PubMed: 38668021
DOI: 10.3390/dj12040109

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: children

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children's well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children's oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children's overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Research Insights

Vitamin A→Reduced Dental Disease Susceptibility
shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin A→Reduced Enamel Issue
shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin B7→Reduced Oral Candidiasis Risk
a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin C→Reduced Aphthous Stomatitis
soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin C→Reduced Enamel Hypomineralization
Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin C→Reduced Gingival Petechiae
soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin D→Reduced Dental Disease Susceptibility
shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin D→Reduced Enamel Issue
shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin E→Improved Oral Mucositis
vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin K→Improved Blood Clotting
vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate