Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Non-invasive Skeletal Muscle Quantification in Small Animals Using Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: November 8, 2024
Quantitative morphometric analysis of molar teeth and alveolar bone using micro-computed tomography in aged mice
Ryutaro Ono1, Makoto Abe2, Nobuya Koike3
1Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan; Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
Aging causes significant tooth wear and alveolar bone loss in mice, mirroring human dental changes. Aged mice are a suitable model for geriatric dentistry research.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Oral Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Dental health declines with age, impacting overall well-being.
- Human aging studies in dentistry face challenges due to confounding factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related morphological changes in mouse mandibular molars and alveolar bone.
- To assess the suitability of mice as a model for geriatric dentistry.
Main Methods:
- Morphometric analysis of mandibular second molars and alveolar bone in C57BL/6 mice.
- Micro-computed tomography was used to evaluate age-related changes.
- Mice were grouped by age: 4, 20, 50, 77, and 100 weeks.
Main Results:
- Cusp height decreased significantly with age (up to 75%) due to wear.
- Molar roots continued to lengthen in young mice.
- Alveolar bone resorption began in middle age, with ~40% root length loss by 100 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Observed dental and bone changes in mice resemble human aging patterns.
- Aged mice represent a viable model for geriatric dentistry research.
