Impact of nutrient deficiencies on early childhood caries: A case-control study on Vitamin D, Calcium, and Ferritin serum levels

Main Article Content

Mohamed T Elfezary
Shaimaa Eldeeb
Mohamed E Moteea
Mohammad S Abu Samadah
Ahmed S Waly

Abstract

Background: Early Childhood Caries, often prompts healthcare professionals to focus on local factors, often neglecting systemic contributors. Therefore, research was designed to examine the relationships between blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, ferritin and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries. Materials and Methods: This case‒control study included a cohort of fifty Egyptian children aged 2 to 6 years who were segregated into two equal groups: the case group (Early Childhood Caries) and the control group (free from caries). Blood samples were taken from all participants to determine the levels of vitamin D, calcium, and ferritin. Results: In terms of vitamin D levels, 24% (n=6) of the control group had insufficient vitamin D levels (10 - <30 ng/mL) compared to 88% (n = 22) of the case group (p<0.001). Regarding calcium levels, the mean calcium level was slightly higher in the case group (9.62 ± 0.39) than in the control group (9.41 ± 0.59). with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The mean ferritin level was significantly higher in the control group (79.91 ± 49.48) than in the case group (27.72 ± 7.90) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This research shows a link between vitamin D and ferritin levels and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries. However, no such association was seen with calcium levels.

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Author Biographies

Mohamed T Elfezary, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Shaimaa Eldeeb, Pediatric Dentist at Andalusia dental Clinics, Saudi Arabia

Pediatric Dentist at Andalusia dental Clinics, Saudi Arabia

Mohamed E Moteea, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Mohammad S Abu Samadah, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Ahmed S Waly, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

How to Cite

1.
Elfezary MT, Eldeeb S, Moteea ME, Abu Samadah MS, Waly AS. Impact of nutrient deficiencies on early childhood caries: A case-control study on Vitamin D, Calcium, and Ferritin serum levels. J Bagh Coll Dent [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 15 [cited 2025 Jan. 17];36(4):22-8. Available from: https://jbcd.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/jbcd/article/view/3820

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