ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Osteoporosis affects the craniofacial and oral structures and has been associated with periodontal bone loss, tooth loss and reduced jaw bone mass. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the therapeutic efficacy of synthetic bone mineral (SBM) in minimizing alveolar bone loss induced by mineral deficiency in a rat model. SBM consists of a calcium carbonate apatite (similar to bone apatite) matrix incorporating magnesium, zinc, and fluoride ions. DESIGN: Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats (2 months old) were randomly distributed into 3 groups (10 rats per group): GA (control), on basic diet; GB, on mineral deficient (MD) diet; and GC, on MD+SBM. The rats were sacrificed after 3 months, the jawbones were isolated and the soft tissues removed. Bone density was determined using X-ray radiography (Faxitron); mandibular cortical width, panoramic mandibular index, and alveolar resorption degree (M/M ratio) using BioquantOsteo; and bone micro-architecture micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared to control (GA), the rats on MD diet (GB) experienced significant mandibular bone loss while the rats on MD+SBM diet (GC) experienced significantly less bone loss compared to the GB group. CONCLUSION: SBM, administered orally, may have the potential as an osteoporosis therapeutic agent in minimizing or preventing alveolar bone loss induced by mineral deficiency.
