Vitamin D: Pharmacology and Clinical Challenges in Oral Health Care.

Vitamin D is a hormone produced endogenously through cutaneous transformation of 7-dehydrocholesterol by UVB irradiation and exerts its effects through binding to its intracellular receptor. It has skeletal and non-skeletal functions and could be involved in oral health conditions especially periodontitis. In this review, we report the beneficial roles of vitamin D related to oral health. Vitamin D deficiency prevalence is high especially among the elderly and is associated with oral health complications such as periodontitis with a possible role and effects of vitamin D supplementation in the management of oral health conditions. Further research is needed to define vitamin D target levels and establish effective strategies for managing patients suffering from oral health conditions especially periodontitis. Improving the knowledge of dental practitioners, periodontists and pharmacists regarding vitamin D deficiency implications in oral health conditions could guide the management of oral conditions such as periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]