Dental age is an independent marker of biological age

Background: Biological age markers are a crucial indicator whether children decelerated in growth tempo. Skeletal maturation is the standard measure. Yet, it relies on exposing to x-radiation. Dental eruption potential, but highly debated, radiation free alternative. 
 Objectives: We assess interrelationship between dental and other maturational markers. hypothesize that correlates with body height skeletal age. further evaluate how three different variables behave cohorts from differing social backgrounds.
 Sample Method: Dental, data 1970s 1990s Guatemalan boys were converted into deviation scores, using external references for each measurement. The boys, aged 7 12, derived backgrounds (middle SES (N = 6529), low-middle 736), low Ladino 3653) Maya 4587).
 Results: shows only weak correlation (0.18) (0.2). distinction differs according of measurements. All differ significantly height. In maturation, middle cohort advanced compared all cohorts. periodically malnourished Mayas Ladinos delayed well-nourished class children.
 Conclusion: development an independent system, regulated by mechanisms than growth. Tooth sensitive nutritional status, whereas more socioeconomic background.