Prevalence of dental manifestations of vitamin d deficiency in young children in north India

Background: The aim of this article is to report the prevalence of various dental manifestations of rickets in young children. Methods: Pediatric patients of both the genders of age-group 6-18 years of age with history of rickets in infancy as reported by pediatrician were examined clinically. The exclusion criteria for the study were patients with history of fluorosis, any syndromes or any congenital skeletal deformities. After scanning the medical records, a total of 120 patients (72 males and 48 females) were selected and enrolled for study after taking informed consent from the parents. Data collection was done on an exclusively made self-structured format. Any anomalies of tooth size, shape, and number were noted and co-related with radiographs. The collected data was compiled and statistically compiled. Results: Out of 120 patients, enamel hypoplasia was detected in 90 (75%) cases, missing teeth were detected in 45 (37.5%) cases, bilaterally missing mandibular second premolars were detected in 30 (25%) cases, seven cases were found with bilaterally missing maxillary first premolars, maxillary canines(6.25%) and seven cases were detected with bilaterally missing deciduous lateral incisor (6.25%). Other dental findings revealed spontaneous gingival and dental abscesses occurring without history of trauma and caries. Radiographic examinations revealed large pulp chambers, short roots, poorly defined lamina dura, and hypoplastic alveolar ridge in majority of patients. Conclusion: Based on the high prevalence of oral manifestations of vitamin D deficiency as observed in this study, the authors conclude that the knowledge an practice of prevention treatment strategies is must to preserve the oral and systemic health of children.