Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and bone turnover markers concerning bone mineral density in older persons

Owing to the early tooth loss in a large population, the need for removable prosthodontic therapy has widely increased. Loss of teeth can occur due to trauma, periodontal disease, dental caries, and/or oral health negligence. The removable prosthesis is preferred over other teeth replacement methods owing to its cost-effectiveness. However, due to continuous alveolar bone resorption, relining of the removable prosthesis is needed regularly. We aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and bone turnover marker concerning bone mineral density. Eighty complete denture wearers either in the maxilla or in the mandible or both constituted the study sample. Before the study, all subjects were explained the procedures of the study, and informed consent was obtained before proceeding with the study. Subjects were instructed to provide an early morning sample in a fasting state as serum osteocalcin (OCN) and C-terminal telopeptide (C-Tx) have diurnal variations. Blood samples were collected, and samples were ruled out for 25-OH vitamin D, serum OCN, and C-TX. To determine the association between frequency of relining and bone turnover marker, the collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation. Significant correlations were seen between bone C-Tx, turnover markers (p<0.001), and frequency of denture relining and osteocalcin (p<0.001). No statistically significant effect of gender, vitamin D levels, age, calcium levels, vitamin D supplements, and diabetes was seen on denture relining frequency. The present study concludes that an elevated level of the bone turnover markers such as OCN and C-Tx increases the frequency of relining.