Journal article

Publication year: 1997

Pages: 135-143

Journal: Journal of Zoology

Volume number: 241

Issue number: 1

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb05504.x

Publisher: Wiley

Abstract: 

The degree of dental wear was measured in 41 mandibular first molars
from red deer of known age (range 2–18 years). The calculated wear
indices were positively correlated with age (r= 0.780, P < 0.001). In the same sample, significant (P
< 0.001) differences in hardness (determined by microhardness
testing) were observed between enamel and coronal dentine as well as
between outer and inner enamel and dentine, respectively. In animals
belonging to the same age group (three‐year‐olds, n= 11), a negative correlation (r= ‐0.830, P=
0.0016) was found between wear index and maximum mean enamel hardness.
In a sample of five specimens from this age group, a negative
correlation (r= ‐0.918, P= 0.028) between maximum calcium
concentration of enamel (measured by electron microprobing) and wear
index was also recorded. We concluded that the intensity of enamel
mineralization had a decisive effect on the degree of dental wear.
Measuring of enamel hardness and subsequent modification of wear scores
or indices is therefore recommended for future studies on the
relationship between age and the degree of dental attrition in deer.

Harvard Citation style: Kierdorf, U. and Becher, J. (1997) Mineralization and wear of mandibular first molars in red deer (Cervus elaphus) of known age, Journal of Zoology, 241(1), pp. 135-143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb05504.x

APA Citation style: Kierdorf, U., & Becher, J. (1997). Mineralization and wear of mandibular first molars in red deer (Cervus elaphus) of known age. Journal of Zoology. 241(1), 135-143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb05504.x