Effect of age on pulpal blood flow in human teeth during orthodontic movement

We aimed to assess the relationship between age, pulpal blood flow (PBF), and orthodontic treatment outcomes. Decreased blood supply to pulp cells commonly occurs with age and can change the response of pulp to orthodontic tooth movement. This study was conducted in 28 human subjects divided into 2 groups according to age. A laser Doppler flowmeter was used to record blood flow to the teeth prior to and during the course of orthodontic treatment (days 1, 3, and 7; week 3; and month 1). Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. Mean PBF values were significantly higher in the young group compared to the old group at all time points (P < 0.001). The decreased PBF in response to tooth movement was more severe in the old group and was also of longer duration. Pulp in younger patients had significantly higher blood flow values compared to that in older patients at baseline and throughout the course of the study.