For that perfect smile... Vitamin D may help prevent tooth decay

For that perfect smile...

Vitamin D may help prevent tooth decay

    Anew review of existing studies has linked Vitamin D with lower rates of dental caries, or tooth decay. The review encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials that showed t h at Vitamin D was associated with an a p p r o x i - mately 50% reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.
    “My main goal was to summarise the clinical trial database so that we could take a fresh look at this Vitamin D question,” said Dr Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington, who conducted the review. While Vitamin D’s role in supporting bone health has not been disputed, significant disagreement has historically existed over its role in preventing caries, Hujoel noted.
    The trials he reviewed increased Vitamin D levels in children through the use of supplemental UV radiation, or by supplementing the children’s diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin. According to Dr Michael Hollick, professor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center, “The findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of Vitamin D for dental health.”
    He said, “Children who are Vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries.” Hujoel added a note of caution to his findings, “One has to be careful with the interpretation of this systematic review. The trials had weaknesses which could have biased the result, and most of the trial participants lived in an era that differs profoundly from today’s environment.”
    ANI

Vitamin D is important for dental health