Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Establishing an Accurate Microhardness Testing Protocol for Craniofacial Tissues
Published on: April 26, 2024
Functional tooth number in the posterior region associated serum ucOC levels
Masahiko Nakamura1, Yusuke Kondo2, Tetsuji Nakamoto3
1Division of Oral Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, Kyushu Dental University, 2-6-1 Manazuru, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 803-8580, Japan.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels in partially edentulous patients scheduled to receive implant treatment and determine the association between ucOC levels, vegetable intake, vitamin K, dietary fiber intake, and functional tooth number in the posterior region (p-FTN).
Methods:
A total of 46 patients (20 male and 26 female, 61.9 ± 12.7 years old) were included. The association among serum ucOC levels, vegetable intake, vitamin K and dietary fiber intake was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and binary logistic regression analysis.
Results:
In total, 35% of patients (16/46 subjects) showed an abnormally high ucOC level (≧ 4.5 ng/mL). p-FTN showed a weak positive correlation with vegetable intake, vitamin K and dietary fiber intake (r = 0.28, 0.21, and 0.14, respectively) and a significant negative correlation with ucOC levels (r = - 0.51). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that p-FTN as well as vitamin K intake showed a significant negative association with serum ucOC levels.
Conclusions:
More than one-third of patients showed abnormally high ucOC levels. p-FTN showed a negative association with serum ucOC levels, which indicated the possibility that oral status affected bone quality.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:11Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...