Age-progressive changes in pulp widths and root lengths during adulthood: a study of American blacks and whites

The intertwined effects of normal aging processes and time-progressive diseases produce systematic changes in many oral and dental tissues. This cross-sectional study of pulp dimensions and root lengths in sound teeth tested for changes with age in adulthood while controlling for differences in gender and race (black, white). Age was the paramount determinant of pulp size which decreases via the accumulation of secondary dentin. In some instances the rate of change increases in older adults with an inflection point at 35-40 years of age. In contrast, root lengths are statistically independent of age once gender (male greater than female) and race (black greater than white) are controlled. Causes of the lack of association with age are discussed.