Dental caries and vitamin D inadequacy are known to affect children worldwide. Vitamin D has a vital role in tooth formation. There is growing evidence linking suboptimal serum vitamin D level with dental caries in children. This paper reviews the literature on both the prevalence of dental caries and of vitamin D deficiency in children in four Asian regions, discusses their associated risk factors, and reviews the global evidence on the association between dental caries and vitamin D in children. Caries prevalence in children ranged from 40% to 97% in Eastern Asia, 38-73.7% in Southern Asia, and 26.5-74.7% in Western Asian countries. Moreover, a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asian children was identified, even in countries in equatorial regions, ranging from 2.8% to 65.3% in Eastern Asia, 5-66.7% in Southern Asia, 4-45.5% in Western Asia and 38.1-78.7% in Central Asian countries. Obesity, age, female gender, higher latitude, season, darker skin pigmentation, sunlight protection behaviors, less sunlight exposure and low intake of food containing vitamin D were important factors associated with lower serum vitamin D in Asia. Suboptimal vitamin D level in children may be a significant risk factor for dental caries, and requires further research to ascertain such an association in children in Asia, as well as to understand its exact influence on caries risk and development.

This review indicated a significant growth inhibition effectiveness of zinc even at lower concentrations which indicate it's safely to be used in oral health products.

MIH is identified and encountered by most respondents. Agreement did not exist between GDPs and DNs concerning MIH frequency of occurrence within their practice, its diagnosis, aetiological factors and management.

There were considerable disparities in respondents' knowledge and attitudes regarding the occurrence, signs of suspected cases, risk factors and reporting of CPA. Despite being aware of such cases, only a handful was reported. Enhancement in the education of Malaysian dental health care providers on recognising and reporting CPA is recommended.

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