Multi-modal characterization of rodent dental development

The developing dentition comprises vital hard tissues of the craniofacial complex that undergo complex and distinct mineralization stages of development through changes in their physicochemical properties. This study investigates the mechanical and chemical properties of the developing enamel, dentin, and bone in mouse mandibles. We employ a multi-modal, multi-scale analysis of the developing post-natal incisor and first molar by integrating micro-computed tomography, nanoindentation, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our findings reveal patterns of mechanical, elemental, and chemical changes across the developing incisor in enamel and dentin. Magnesium, iron, and the carbon-to-phosphate ratio were significantly associated with enamel properties, while magnesium composition was associated with dentin. These results demonstrate that the mineral composition drives mechanical properties across these developing craniofacial hard tissues. The integrative multi-modal approach provides a quantitative perspective on the early stages of enamel and dentin mineralization of the developing incisor.