Skeletal indicators of pathology in the context of early tooth loss in children: A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an evidence-based resource for paleopathologists to consider multiple skeletal indicators of pathology associated with early tooth loss in children to aid in diagnosis.

MATERIALS: Three databases (Cochrane Library, MedLine, and Scopus) were used for a review.

METHODS

According to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria, a systematic review guideline, 85 articles were selected.

RESULTS

A total of 189 children had a syndrome or disease associated with early tooth loss. Our review, based on 25 diseases, lists the bone and dental lesions observable in archeological remains.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a review of the literature, a synthesis of 25 diseases and syndromes that may be associated with premature loss of permanent or deciduous teeth in children was developed for paleopathologists. It highlights the importance of a thorough dental examination by paleopathologists to further assess past health conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE: This paper provides an extensive resource addressing early tooth loss in childhood to assist researchers with differential diagnosis.

LIMITATIONS: The articles included in this review are case reports based on living populations.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Further studies into diseases and their association with early tooth loss would complement this work, as would utilizing the differential diagnoses on archeological individuals to clarify its value and limitations.