VITAMIN D AS A SYSTEMIC FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH DENTAL CARIES: BIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONSVITAMIN D AS A SYSTEMIC FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH DENTAL CARIES: BIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and the occurrence and severity of dental caries. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. The search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and VHL/LILACS databases, with no initial date restriction, resulting in a final selection of seven primary studies published between 2023 and 2025. The PECO strategy and PRISMA flowchart were utilized for selection. Results: The qualitative synthesis evidenced a consistent inverse linear association between the sufficiency of $25(OH)D$ and the severity of caries indices (DMFT and dmft). The systemic protective effect acts in a dual manner: during pre-eruptive odontogenesis, by preventing enamel mineralization defects, and in the post-eruptive oral environment, by stimulating the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (such as LL-37 and beta-defensins) essential for innate immunity. It is noteworthy that maternal vitamin deficiency during the gestational period acts as a strong predictor of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D is consolidated as an etiopathogenic cofactor in caries progression. The translation of these findings suggests that Dentistry should adopt an integrative approach, incorporating the monitoring of this systemic biomarker and adjuvant supplementation into preventive protocols, especially in patients with high disease activity.
Author Biographies
Mestre, Centro Universitário de Brasília (UniCEUB), Brasília-DF, Brasil.
Cirurgiã-dentista, Mestranda em Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Brasil.
Graduanda em Odontologia, Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO), Sorocaba-SP, Brasil.
Graduanda em Odontologia, Centro Universitário Fametro, Manaus-AM, Brasil.
Especialista em Ortodontia e Ortopedia Funcional dos Maxilares, Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (UNIFESO), Teresópolis-RJ, Brasil.
Especialista em Reabilitação Oral, Universidade Anhanguera-Uniderp, Campo Grande-MS, Brasil.
Mestre em Ortodontia, Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas-SP, Brasil.
Doutora em Odontologia, Professora de Dentística, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói-RJ, Brasil.
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