Short Communication - Journal of Oral Medicine and Surgery (2025) Volume 8, Issue 1

Correlation Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Clinical Study

Article type: Short Communication

Home Page URL:  https://www.alliedacademies.org/trauma-and-critical-care/

Journal short name: J Oral Med Surg

Volume: 8

Issue: 1

PDF No: 186

Citation: Nair P. Correlation Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Clinical Study. J Oral Med Surg. 2025; 8(1):186

^*Correspondence to: Priya Nair. Department of Oral Medicine & Diagnosis, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, India. Email: priya.nair.research@gmail.com

Received: 27-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAOMT-25-169571; Editor assigned: 01-Jun-2025, PreQC No. AAOMT-25-169571 (PQ); Reviewed: 15- Jun-2025, QC No. AAOMT-25-169571; Revised: 22- Jun-2025, Manuscript No. AAOMT-25-169571 (R); Published: 29- Jun-2025, DOI:10.35841/AAOMT-8.1.186

Correlation Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Clinical Study

Priya Nair*                                 

Department of Oral Medicine & Diagnosis, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, India

Introduction

Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs) are among the most common ulcerative conditions of the oral mucosa, affecting up to 20% of the general population (Ship et al., 2000). Characterized by painful, shallow ulcers with an erythematous halo, RAUs can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life, interfering with speech, mastication, and swallowing. Despite decades of research, the exact etiology remains elusive; however, multifactorial causes have been implicated, including genetic predisposition, immunological disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, and stress (Scully & Porter, 2008) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Vitamin D, traditionally recognized for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, has emerged as a potent immunomodulatory molecule influencing both innate and adaptive immunity (Holick, 2007). Deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to an increased susceptibility to various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Given that RAUs are associated with immune dysregulation—particularly involving T-cell mediated responses—vitamin D deficiency may play a contributory role in their pathogenesis (Khabbazi et al., 2014).

Several recent studies have reported a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with RAUs compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential causal or aggravating link. The hypothesized mechanism involves vitamin D’s capacity to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulate antimicrobial peptides, and maintain mucosal integrity (Cannel & Vieth, 2011). This clinical study aims to investigate the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the occurrence of RAUs, providing further insights into possible preventive or therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion                                 

The findings of this study underscore the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and recurrent aphthous ulcers, supporting the theory that adequate vitamin D levels may help in reducing the frequency and severity of RAUs. While the relationship observed does not establish definitive causality, it highlights the importance of screening for vitamin D deficiency in patients presenting with recurrent oral ulcers. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these results and explore vitamin D supplementation as an adjunctive strategy in RAU management.

References

1. Cannel, J. J., & Vieth, R. (2011). Vitamin D and immunity. Dermato-Endocrinology, 3(1), 54–62.
2. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266–281.
3. Khabbazi, A., Ghorbanihaghjo, A., & Mahdavi, R. (2014). Vitamin D status in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, 8(1), 48–51
4. Scully, C., & Porter, S. (2008). Oral mucosal disease: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 46(3), 198–206.
5. Ship, J. A., Chavez, E. M., & Doerr, P. A. (2000). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Quintessence International, 31(2), 95–112.