Histologic and microradiographic observations on teeth during calcium deprivation in rats

Adult female rats were subjected to severe calcium deprivation by feeding them a calcium-deficient diet containing oxalate (Group a). Furthermore, pregnant and lactating animals were subjected to the same diet (Group b). The mandibular teeth were examined by histologic, microradiographic and fluorescence microscopic techniques. The incisor enamel was found to be nearly unaffected by the experimental regimen; the dentin formed and mineralized during the experimental period was abnormal only in Group b. Characteristic features were reduced thickness, increased width of predentin and numerous globular defects. Both ameloblasts and odontoblasts were seemingly normal. No obvious differences could be observed between the molars from the controls and the test groups (a,b). "Cementolysis" seemed to be present to the same extent in all groups. In some of the animals of Group b some carious or erosional defects were observed in the molars. These may at least partially account for a small reduction in molar ash content observed in this group.