Relationship between occurrence of caries and calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D levels in children in Al-Muthanna province (Iraq)

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic disease affecting children worldwide. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D play an important role in the prevention of dental caries. Objectives: To explore the relationship between the occurrence of dental caries and serum levels of Ca, P, and vitamin D3 in children in the Al-Muthanna province of Iraq.
Materials and methods.
The study included 100 children, categorized as either having caries or being caries-free according to the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) index. Demographic data included age, gender, nutritional status, and dietary habits, while socioeconomic status was assessed based on parents’ education, occupation, and geographic distribution. Ca, P, and vitamin D levels were estimated in the serum of all participants.
Results.
Poor dietary habits, insufficient brushing frequency, lack of parental supervision, and an absence of dental visits were strongly associated with a high risk of caries. Distribution by DMFT components showed that 26% of patients had D≥6 and M=1–3, 32% had D=4–5 and M=1–4, and 42% had D≤3 and M=1–3. In caries-free children compared to those with caries, the mean levels of Ca were 8.4 and 6.6 mg/dl, phosphorus concentrations were 5.5 and 4.1 mg/dl, and 25(OH)D levels were 45.8 and 27.6 ng/ml, respectively (p<0.05).
Conclusion.
A strong correlation was found between poor dietary habits, insufficient brushing frequency, lack of parental supervision, infrequent dental visits, and a high risk of caries. A significant positive correlation was observed between decreased levels of Ca, P, and 25(OH)D and a higher occurrence of caries in the study population. The authors recommend future longitudinal studies in other Iraqi provinces to support the development of a national caries prevention program.