Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for delayed tooth eruption in children – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Unnati Mathurvaishya, H. N. Subhadra, Amar N KatreBackground:
Vitamin D is essential for bone and tooth mineralization, and its deficiency may contribute to delayed tooth eruption (DTE) in children. Evidence on this association remains limited and inconsistent.
Aim:
To systematically review and analyze the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and delayed eruption of primary and permanent teeth in children.
Methods:
A systematic search of major databases was conducted up to May 2025 following meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines. Observational studies assessing serum Vitamin D in relation to DTE were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.
Results:
Five studies met the criteria for qualitative review and three for meta-analysis. Although all studies measured Vitamin D in ng/mL and commonly defined deficiency as <20 ng/mL, considerable methodological heterogeneity was observed. Meta-analysis for primary dentition showed no significant association (mean difference [MD] = −11.90; confidence interval [CI]: −30.77–6.97;
Conclusion:
The findings suggest a possible association between low Vitamin D levels and DTE; however, high heterogeneity and limited evidence reduce certainty. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm this relationship.