مشروع البحث: Possible Correlation Between Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries Among Different Ages of Both Genders
| dc.contributor.advisor | د.جبريل مسعود جبريل | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-13T11:32:16Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-13T11:32:16Z | |
| dc.description | Introduction: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral health problems worldwide, influenced by both local and systemic factors. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D, have been implicated in compromising enamel integrity and immune defense, thereby increasing susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal disease. This study aimed to investigate the possible correlation between calcium, zinc, and vitamin D levels and the prevalence of dental caries among different age groups and both genders in the Gharyan region. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 90 participants aged 8–65 years (47 males and 43 females). Data on oral hygiene practices, medical history, and dental care habits were collected via structured questionnaires. Clinical oral examinations assessed decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), caries location, and severity, alongside periodontal and soft tissue health. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium, zinc, and vitamin D levels. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression models to evaluate relationships between nutrient levels and oral health outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean levels of calcium (7.1 ± 1.7 mg/dl), zinc (50.6 ± 20.9 μg/dl), and vitamin D (20.7 ± 10.7 nmol/L) were significantly lower than control values (p = 0.0001). DMFT index revealed that 58.8% of participants had no caries experience, 18.8% had low, and 22.2% had moderate caries experience. Occlusal surfaces were the most commonly affected, and the majority of lesions extended into dentin. Radiographic evaluation showed 78.8% of participants had bone loss or other abnormalities. Periodontal assessment indicated gingivitis in 64.4% and periodontitis in 25.5%, with moderate to heavy plaque accumulation in 45.5% of participants. ANOVA and regression analyses confirmed significant associations between lower nutrient levels and higher caries severity. Discussion: The study highlights a strong link between deficiencies in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D and increased dental caries and periodontal disease. Nutrient deficiencies, combined with suboptimal oral hygiene and infrequent dental visits, likely contributed to the high prevalence of untreated caries and periodontal compromise. These findings are consistent with existing literature emphasizing the role of minerals and vitamins in enamel formation, immune function, and oral tissue maintenance. The interrelationship among the three nutrients further underscores the importance of holistic nutritional approaches in oral health prevention. Conclusion: Deficiencies in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D are significantly associated with higher prevalence and severity of dental caries and periodontal disease in the Gharyan population. Community-based interventions focusing on nutritional supplementation, oral hygiene education, and regular dental care are essential to reduce oral disease burden and improve overall oral health outcomes. Keywords: Dental caries, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, DMFT index, Periodontal health, Gharyan region, Nutritional deficiency | |
| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral health problems worldwide, influenced by both local and systemic factors. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D, have been implicated in compromising enamel integrity and immune defense, thereby increasing susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal disease. This study aimed to investigate the possible correlation between calcium, zinc, and vitamin D levels and the prevalence of dental caries among different age groups and both genders in the Gharyan region. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 90 participants aged 8–65 years (47 males and 43 females). Data on oral hygiene practices, medical history, and dental care habits were collected via structured questionnaires. Clinical oral examinations assessed decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), caries location, and severity, alongside periodontal and soft tissue health. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium, zinc, and vitamin D levels. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression models to evaluate relationships between nutrient levels and oral health outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean levels of calcium (7.1 ± 1.7 mg/dl), zinc (50.6 ± 20.9 μg/dl), and vitamin D (20.7 ± 10.7 nmol/L) were significantly lower than control values (p = 0.0001). DMFT index revealed that 58.8% of participants had no caries experience, 18.8% had low, and 22.2% had moderate caries experience. Occlusal surfaces were the most commonly affected, and the majority of lesions extended into dentin. Radiographic evaluation showed 78.8% of participants had bone loss or other abnormalities. Periodontal assessment indicated gingivitis in 64.4% and periodontitis in 25.5%, with moderate to heavy plaque accumulation in 45.5% of participants. ANOVA and regression analyses confirmed significant associations between lower nutrient levels and higher caries severity. Discussion: The study highlights a strong link between deficiencies in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D and increased dental caries and periodontal disease. Nutrient deficiencies, combined with suboptimal oral hygiene and infrequent dental visits, likely contributed to the high prevalence of untreated caries and periodontal compromise. These findings are consistent with existing literature emphasizing the role of minerals and vitamins in enamel formation, immune function, and oral tissue maintenance. The interrelationship among the three nutrients further underscores the importance of holistic nutritional approaches in oral health prevention. Conclusion: Deficiencies in calcium, zinc, and vitamin D are significantly associated with higher prevalence and severity of dental caries and periodontal disease in the Gharyan population. Community-based interventions focusing on nutritional supplementation, oral hygiene education, and regular dental care are essential to reduce oral disease burden and improve overall oral health outcomes. Keywords: Dental caries, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, DMFT index, Periodontal health, Gharyan region, Nutritional deficiency | |
| dc.identifier | 17-1 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.academy.edu.ly/handle/123456789/2058 | |
| dc.subject | علوم حياة | |
| dc.title | Possible Correlation Between Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries Among Different Ages of Both Genders | |
| dspace.entity.type | Project | |
| project.endDate | 2026 | |
| project.funder.name | علوم اساسية | |
| project.investigator | إيمان إبراهيم جمعة علي | |
| project.startDate | 2025 |