Journal of Islamic International Medical College (Dec 2021)
Correlation of Hypovitaminosis D with Socioeconomic Status and Dental Caries in Children
Abstract
Objective: To find out the correlation of vitamin D levels with socioeconomic status and dental caries. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College from September 2015 to March 2016. Materials and Methods: Eighty children, between 2-8 years of age, were recruited after fulfilling a questionnaire from their parents or caregiver. The sample population was divided into two groups keeping in mind their dental health. Group 1 consisted of children suffering from dental caries and is comprised of 60 patients. Group 2 consisted of children with sound healthy teeth and was comprised of 20 children. Questionnaires assessing children ҆s socioeconomic background, dietary habits were included. The data was studied using Likert scale. The diagnosis of childhood caries was based on oral health diagnostic criteria defined by WHO. Total caries score, dmft index (decayed, missed, filled teeth) was obtained. Venipuncture of participants was done for determining Vitamin D levels of the study population by using ELISA procedure. Pearson correlation and Chi-square analysis were applied to the results. Results: Results have established that Vitamin D levels in children have positive association to their socioeconomic status. Vitamin D deficiency is seen in offspring belonging to low socioeconomic status and dental caries was also present in them. Pearson correlation and Chi-square analysis have showed that increased dmft caries score is correlated with vitamin D concentrations less than 30ng/ml and lower monthly income. This cross-sectional study showed that caries, less serum vitamin D levels and low socioeconomic status are directly related with each other. Conclusion: Dental caries lower 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels and low socioeconomic status is closely linked. Improving children's vitamin D levels by providing vitamin D supplementation or awareness of food rich in vitamin D may be helpful in decreasing the incidence of dental caries in young children.
