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Microhardness Measurements on Tooth and Alveolar Bone in Rodent Oral Disease Models
Published on: April 26, 2024
Dental caries and bone mineral density: a cross sectional study
L Fabiani1, G Mosca, D Giannini
1Department of Public Health and Internal Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Italy. leila.fabiani@cc.univaq.it
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|July 18, 2006
Summary
Higher bone mineral density and younger age are key factors in preventing dental caries in adolescents. Maintaining good bone health may reduce the risk of tooth decay significantly.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dental Public Health
- Osteoporosis Research
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) and dental caries are significant health concerns in adolescents.
- Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) offers a non-invasive method to assess bone health in large populations.
- Understanding the link between bone health and dental caries is crucial for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and the prevalence of dental caries (DMFT) in healthy adolescents.
- To evaluate the role of age as a factor in dental caries development within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 540 healthy adolescents (mean age 12.3 years) in Southern Italy.
- Bone mineral density measured using QUS, specifically Amplitude-Dependent Speed of Sound (AD-SoS) in the fingers.
- Dental caries assessed using the Decayed Missing Filled Tooth (DMFT) index.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was confirmed between DMFT and both AD-SoS (P < 0.006) and age (P < 0.004).
- Higher bone mineralization (AD-SoS > 1900 m/s) and younger age (≤12 years) were linked to a lower prevalence of dental caries.
Conclusions:
- Increased bone mineralization and younger age are protective factors against dental caries in adolescents.
- Adolescents with higher bone mineral density and younger age had a significantly lower probability of developing dental caries (0.34 vs. 0.62).
- QUS is a viable tool for assessing bone health and its potential impact on dental caries risk in adolescent populations.
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