Differences in Viscoelastic Properties of Periodontium between Japanese and Chinese

Abstract

Purpose : This study examined differences in the viscoelasticity of the periodontium between Japanese and Chinese subjects and the influence of their living environment on the periodontium.
Materials and Methods : We selected 93 and 113 upper central incisors, 100 and 100 upper canines, and 104 and 98 upper first molars of the Japanese and Chinese subjects, respectively, for examination in this study. The viscoelasticity of the periodontium was measured using an automatic diagnostic system that measured tooth mobility. The evaluated parameters were viscosity c₁, c₂ and elasticity k. An analysis of variance was used to compare the upper central incisors, canines, and first molars in the Japanese and Chinese subjects. An unpaired t-test was used for comparison between sexes and between Japanese and Chinese.
Results : The viscoelastic parameters showed significant differences among central incisors, canines, and first molars in both the Japanese and Chinese. Almost all periodontal viscoelastic parameters were significantly different between Japanese males and females, while only a few such parameters showed significant gender differences in the Chinese. All parameters except c₁ of the central incisors in men and all parameters in women showed significant differences between the Japanese and Chinese subjects.
Conclusion : There were differences in the viscoelastic properties of the periodontium between Japanese and Chinese subjects.