Radiographic changes of the mandible related to oral contraceptives

This study tested a hypothesis that some radiopacities on radiographic surveys, specifically in the alveolar bone of the mandible from first molar to first molar, not related to the teeth by position or by pathosis, were related to the taking of oral contraceptives. The random sample included 218 adults entering consecutively for full-mouth radiographic surveys at the Radiology Department. All female patients were asked pertinent questions regarding their use of oral contraceptives. Those not responding (fourteen) were not included in the final tabulations. Radiographs were viewed without regard to sex by two persons at the same time, and an interpretation was made concerning the presence (positive) or absence (negative) of the radiopacities in question. Results were based on 204 patients (112 women and 92 men). Positive radiographic findings were significantly more frequent in women (45/112 versus 14/92; chi-square = 14.12; df = 1; p less than 0.001). Positive radiographs were significantly more likely in women using oral contraceptives (28/45 versus 5/67; chi-square = 36.25; df = 1; p less than 0.001).