Elemental composition of normal primary tooth enamel analyzed with XRMA and SIMS

Swed Dent J. 2009;33(2):75-83.

Abstract

There is an interest to analyze the chemical composition of enamel in teeth from patients with different developmental disorders or syndromes and evaluate possible differences compared to normal composition. For this purpose, it is essential to have reference material. The aim of this study was to, by means of X-ray micro analyses (XRMA) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), present concentration gradients for C, O, P and Ca and F, Na, Mg, Cl, K and Sr in normal enamel of primary teeth from healthy individuals. 36 exfoliated primary teeth from 36 healthy children were collected, sectioned, and analyzed in the enamel and dentin with X-ray micro analyses for the content of C, O, P and Ca and F, Na MgCl, K and Sr. This study has supplied reference data for C, O, P and Ca in enamel in primary teeth from healthy subjects. No statistically significant differences in the elemental composition were found between incisors and molars.The ratio Ca/P is in concordance with other studies. Some elements have shown statistically significant differences between different levels of measurement. These results may be used as reference values for research on the chemical composition of enamel and dentin in primary teeth from patients with different conditions and/or syndromes.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dental Enamel / chemistry*
  • Dentin / chemistry
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Elements*
  • Humans
  • Minerals / analysis*
  • Reference Values
  • Specimen Handling
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion
  • Tooth, Deciduous / chemistry*

Substances

  • Elements
  • Minerals