Chapters authored
Vitamin D and Dentistry
Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic issue due to decreased vitamin D intake from food and lessened sunlight exposure. Attention is drawn to vitamin D and its role learned in notable clinical disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers including oral ones. Vitamin D is also very effective along with minerals in the protection of oral health. Vitamin D helps maintain the calcium-phosphate balance and contributes to the shaping of the bone. It is reported that with sufficient vitamin D level, the onset and progression of caries in the tooth structure can be stopped, the formation of caries can be reduced and enamel loss can be prevented. Vitamin D also affects the disease and health conditions of the periodontium. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions have a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disorders. It can reduce bone resorption and suppress the inflammatory outcome related to periodontal diseases by increasing mineral density. Vitamin D has been linked with tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Vitamin D, in particular, as a promising oral health-protective agent, is said to lessen the incidence of caries and periodontitis.
Part of the book: Vitamin D
Vitamin D Deficiency in Pediatric Dentistry
Vitamin D (vitD) deficiency has essential effects on general health. It is known that oral and dental health is an integral part of public health, and there is a close relationship between them. From the development and eruption stages of the teeth to the formation of caries, vitD deficiency has accepted significant effects on oral health. It is essential to understand the role of vitD deficiency in early childhood caries (ECC), which is considered one of the most critical problems, especially in pediatric patients. Low vitD levels during pregnancy have even been reported to increase ECC risk in infancy. For this reason, care should be taken to ensure that the mother’s 25(OH)d level and later the child is in optimal conditions, starting from the pregnancy period, to improve the oral health status of children.
Part of the book: Vitamin D Deficiency