The significance of Vitamin D in dentistry - rewiew

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, with increasing clinical interest in its impact on oral health. This review explores the significance of Vitamin D in dentistry, focusing on its effects on dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additionally, it identifies risk groups for Vitamin D deficiency and outlines current supplementation guidelines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Vitamin D3, synthesized in the skin or obtained through diet, regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism essential for bone, enamel, and dentin mineralization. Maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentrations of at least 30 ng/ml is recommended for optimal health benefits. Vitamin D's immunomodulatory properties impact oral health by reducing inflammation and enhancing antimicrobial defenses. It plays a role in preventing dental caries, managing periodontal disease, influencing craniofacial development, and potentially affecting TMD. Risk groups for Vitamin D deficiency include the elderly, individuals with darker skin, those living in northern latitudes, and people with certain medical conditions or on specific medications. SUMMARY: Adequate Vitamin D levels, achieved through diet, supplementation, and sun exposure, can significantly contribute to oral health and overall well-being. Increasing awareness of Vitamin D's importance, especially among at-risk groups, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.