The relationship between vitamin D levels and gingivitis in children with type 1 diabetes

Periodontal inflammatory disease is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases that can affect individuals of any age. The results of some studies have shown that both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes may be associated with an increased risk of periodontal inflammation. Inflammatory status and vitamin D deficiency create a suitable environment for the progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes and periodontitis in children. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and gingivitis in children with T1DM.

This case-control study was conducted in the city of Ilam to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and gingivitis in 148 children with T1DM. The case-control group was randomly selected from all children aged 6 - 12 years. Participants were classified into two groups, healthy and T1DM, based on the presence of gingivitis. Fasting blood sugar, calcium, and serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed in this study.

The results of the Mann–Whitney showed that 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the group with gingivitis (20/72±12/77) compared to the group without gingivitis (29/57±10/72) (p<0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the level of 25(OH)D according to gender between the group with gingivitis and the group without gingivitis (p=0.673 and p=0.350). Also, the results of the chi-square test showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups with gingivitis and those without gingivitis in terms of gender and age distribution. (p>0.05)

The results of this study show that vitamin D deficiency is an effective factor in high gingivitis in children with T1DM. Timely monitoring of the level of this vitamin in patients with gingivitis is essential.