Prevalence of periapical abscesses in vitamin D deficient patients.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs) in individuals with vitamin D deficiency who are not treated and in individuals treated with a vitamin D supplement (calciferol).

METHODS:

Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for periapical abscess and vitamin D deficiency were retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The Risk Ratio (RR) for periapical abscesses, its association with vitamin D deficiency and intake of calciferol were calculated and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS:

The RR for prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with vitamin D deficiency was 3.44. Presence of PAs was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency compared to patients without vitamin D deficiency (P< 0.0001). The RR and the prevalence of PAs for patients treated with calciferol were significantly lower compared to untreated patients (P< 0.0001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Dentists should be aware of the possible association between vitamin D deficiency and occurrence of periapical abscesses. It appears that the prevalence of periapical abscesses is higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Calciferol supplement may reduce the prevalence of such periapical disease in these patients.

• Authors: Ilan Rotstein, Joseph Katz
• Journal: American journal of dentistry (Am J Dent) Vol. 34 Issue 3 Pg. 163-165 (Jun 2021) ISSN: 0894-8275 [Print] United States
• PMID: 34143587 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright©American Journal of Dentistry.

Chemical References

• Vitamin D

Topics

• Humans
• Periapical Abscess (epidemiology)
• Prevalence
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin D Deficiency (complications, epidemiology)