Ethnic origin and alveolar bone loss in Israeli adults

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of alveolar bone loss and ethnic origin among Israeli adults. METHODS: The study population consisted of 815 male military personnel, aged 25 to 60 years (average 38.1 +/- 7.0 yr), who arrived at a military dental clinic for routine dental examination during 2004-5. The distance between CEJ and alveolar bone crest was measure on pair of standardized posterior bitewing radiographs. Associations between the periodontal score and place of birth, the father ethnic origin and the mother ethnic origin were evaluated using the chi2-test. RESULTS: The individual's place of birth had no influence on the radiographic alveolar bone loss. Father of Yemenite-, North-African- or Mediterranean-origin, and mother of Yemenite-, North-African- or Asian-origin have associated to the occurrence and severity of alveolar bone loss, whereas sons to father or mother from Israeli or European descent were found to have less bone loss (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic origin has an influence on the alveolar bone loss in Israeli adults. However, more research is needed on the role of the potentially confounders in the association between origin and periodontal health.