Bone density is a measure of the amount of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, in your bones. It is an important indicator of bone health and can help to predict your risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle.
There are a number of different ways to check for bone density, but the most common is a DEXA scan. A DEXA scan is a quick and painless procedure that uses X-rays to measure the density of your bones. Your doctor may recommend a DEXA scan if you are at risk for osteoporosis, or if you have a family history of the condition.