Low Vit. D can equate to Tooth Loss

Vitamin D Levels Related to Tooth Loss

According to a study published in May 2014, lower levels of serum vitamin D are associated with tooth loss. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research from the National Institutes of Health report that over 27 percent of seniors over age 65 have no remaining teeth.

The investigators evaluated 1,904 subjects from the Study of Health in Pomerania. The researchers measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The investigators also evaluated incidence of tooth loss, progression of clinical attachment loss of 3 mm or greater, and progression of restorative and caries status during the five-year follow-up period. The investigators collected data including age, sex, education, smoking status, alcohol intake, waist circumference, dental visit frequency, reasons of dental visit, vitamin D or calcium supplements, and season of blood draw.

The researchers determined that as levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreased, the incidence of tooth loss increased. More specifically, the investigators found that for each 10 mcg/L increase of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the risk of tooth loss decreased by 13 percent, even after controlling the data for multiple confounding factors. The researchers did find that the association was attenuated for changes of clinical attachment loss of 3 mm or greater when adjusting for multiple confounders. The investigators did not find any association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and progression of cavities.

The study authors stated, “Vitamin D might be a protective factor for tooth loss. The effect might partially be mediated by its effect on periodontitis.”

Reference:
Zhan Y, et al. J Dent Res. 2014 May 14.