Scientists can use dental X-rays to predict fractures

Scientists have discovered that they can predict who will be at risk of fractures in later life just from the lower jaw.

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy and Region Vastra Gotaland had previously identified that sparse bone structure in the trabecular bone in the lower jaw was linked to greater chance of previously having fractures elsewhere.

However, the team now found that a dental X-ray can be used to successfully predict who will be at higher risk of fractures in the future.

The study began in 1968 and was carried out on 731 women. However, the team believe that the findings will also apply to men.

"Dental X-rays contain lots of information on bone structure," said Grethe Jonasson, the researcher at the Research Centre of the Public Dental Service in Vastra Gotaland who initiated the fractures study.

"By analysing these images, dentists can identify people who are at greater risk of fractures long before the first fracture occurs."

Posted by Ben Evans