Booking a dentist appointment these days can be difficult and costly. Tooth decay is a common dental problem affecting both children and adults. But what if preventing tooth decay was as simple as taking an affordable vitamin?
A recent study has found a strong link between vitamin D and a significant reduction in tooth decay. The findings were published in Nutrition Reviews.
Vitamin D Cuts Tooth Decay in Half
The study reviewed 24 clinical trials from the 1920s to the 1980s involving about 3,000 children across several countries.
The researchers found that vitamin D reduced the rate of dental caries by around 50 percent.
Dr. Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington led the review. “My main goal was to summarize the clinical trial data to take a fresh look at vitamin D and its role in dental health,” he said.
Vitamin D’s Role in Fighting Tooth Decay
While vitamin D’s importance for bone health is well known, its role in preventing tooth decay has been debated. In 1950, the American Medical Association and the US National Research Council recognized vitamin D as beneficial for managing dental caries. However, in 1989, the National Research Council called the issue “unresolved,” despite new supporting evidence.
“These inconsistent conclusions do not align well with the evidence,” Dr. Hujoel noted.
The trials increased children’s vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or diet, such as cod liver oil. The studies were conducted in countries including the US, Great Britain, Canada, Austria, New Zealand, and Sweden. Participants were children and young adults aged 2 to 16, with an average age of 10.
Experts Weigh In
The University of Washington’s findings highlight vitamin D’s vital role in dental health. “Children who lack vitamin D often have delayed tooth eruption and are more prone to cavities,” said Dr. Michael Hollick, professor of medicine at Boston University Medical Center.
Other studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to tooth decay in young children. Dr. Hujoel said, “While it’s still debated whether this link is more than coincidence, pregnant women and new mothers should know that vitamin D is essential for their children’s health. It helps teeth and bones mineralize better.”