Work

Periodontitis in human skeletal remains: The relationship between CEJ-AC distance and alveolar bone defects in a modern forensic collection of low socioeconomic status individuals from Yucatan, Mexico

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the interrelationship between the cementoenamel distance to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC), alveolar bone defects, and risk factors for periodontitis among adults. MATERIALS: The skeletal remains of 77 individuals (58 males and 19 females), aged 28-92 years, were analyzed from a low socioeconomic status, 20th-century forensic collection in Merida, Mexico. METHODS: An analysis integrating qualitative and quantitative criteria was conducted. The CEJ-AC distance was measured using a dental probe, and bone defects were categorized as suprabony, infrabony and furcation. RESULTS: The mean CEJ-AC distance was 4.4 mm, with individual bone defect prevalence of 94.8 % (no sex differences). A positive correlation exists between CEJ-AC and bone defect severity (p < 0.001), though greater CEJ-AC distances were not consistently associated with more severe defects. Furcation involvement was observed in 33.7 % of individuals, with no significant sex differences, and defect severity showed no association with age at death. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that alveolar bone defects represent the primary criterion for periodontitis in skeletal remains; CEJ-AC distance complements it. Integrating both parameters enhances the accuracy of osteological diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to refining paleopathological diagnosis of periodontal disease, thereby enhancing its applicability in archaeological contexts. The high prevalence observed underscores the impact of low socioeconomic status on oral health in marginalized populations. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the sample's low socioeconomic strata and underrepresentation of females. SUGGESTIONS AND FURTHER RESEARCH: Adapting clinical classifications to postmortem changes, compensatory eruption, and interindividual variation offers a promising framework.

Source: International Journal of Paleopathology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001

Authors: S. Thamara Noriega Muro, Sudip Datta Banik, Andrea Cucina

Institutions: Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Autonomous University of Yucatán

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,710