The Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Oral Manifestations in Children

Scientific paper - Review paper

• Author: Stjepanka Lešić
• Author: Zrinka Ivanišević
• Author: Bruno Špiljak
• Author: Matej Tomas
• Author: Magdalena Šoštarić
• Author: Aleksandar Včev
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Dental Medicine
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Dental Medicine

Abstract (english)

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children’s well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children’s oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children’s overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.

• Keywords (english): children; hypoplastic teet; horal manifestations; vitamin deficiencies; dental health; nutritional education
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Review paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - international
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Dentistry Journal
• Numbering: vol. 12, no. 4, 109
• e-ISSN: 2304-6767
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12040109
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:127:509233
• Publication: 2024-04-17
• Document URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/12/4/109
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-05-23 08:22:57