Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Oral Health

Abstract

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for human body. It is a fat - soluble secosteroid with a structure very similar to cholesterol. The Vitamin D receptor is a molecule that binds to the active form of Vitamin D2 and controls different processes, such as differentiation, inflammation, calcium and phosphorous absorption. Specifically, it’s main function is maintaining serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorous within normal ranges. Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin, and it helps to facilitate intestinal calcium absorption. Ergosterol, which occurs in plants, is a vitamin D precursor. The active form of vitamin D is a steroid hormone. Renal activation of vitamin D is regulated by several endocrine factors. Liver and/or kidney disease can result in a 1, 25 (OH) 2D deficiency. Parathyroid hormone deficiency can be treated through vitamin D supplementation. Cholecalciferol rodenticide poisoning can cause symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. Glucocorticoids and calcitonin can be used to reverse symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. These days, people think that diet and lousy maintenance of teeth will affect their oral health and cause tooth decay. However, oral health can also be affected by our nutritional consumption. Any body part may be affected by vitamin D deficiency. Initial symptoms include muscle weakness, lower back pain, muscle aches, throbbing bone pain. When it comes to oral health, vitamin D deficiency may lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, bleeding gums, gingivitis, enamel erosion, hypomineralization. Thus vitamin D is an essential nutrient for our body. It is a kind of a vitamin which functions as steroid hormone which is mainly obtained from sunlight and dietary supplements as well.