Vitamin D Linked to Lower Rates of Tooth Decay

A new review of existing studies points toward a potential role for vitamin D in helping to prevent dental caries, or tooth decay. These trials showed that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.

According to Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center, "the findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health." He said that "children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries."

The vitamin D question takes on greater importance in the light of current public health trends. Vitamin D levels in many populations are decreasing while dental caries incidence is increasing.

Parents may increase vitamin D levels in children through the use of supplemental cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin.