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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
08:12
Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Exposure to lead exacerbates dental fluorosis
G A S Leite1, R M M Sawan, J M Teófilo
1Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (FORP/USP), Avenida do Café, S/N, 14040-904 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Lead exposure worsens dental fluorosis severity in rodents. Co-exposure to lead and fluoride significantly increases enamel defects compared to fluoride alone.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Dental Research
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Dental fluorosis is a condition affecting tooth enamel.
- Understanding environmental factors influencing fluorosis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that co-exposure to lead and fluoride alters the severity of dental fluorosis.
- To determine the individual and combined effects of lead and fluoride on enamel development.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were exposed to fluoride (100 ppm), lead (30 ppm), or both from gestation.
- Enamel defects were quantified using a novel fluorosis index and validated histopathologically.
- Elemental analysis of enamel, dentine, and bone was performed.
Main Results:
- Control and lead-only groups showed normal enamel.
- Fluoride and lead co-exposure (F+Pb) resulted in significantly more severe enamel defects than fluoride alone (P<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Lead exposure exacerbates dental fluorosis in developing rodent enamel.
- Co-exposure to lead and fluoride may increase the severity of dental fluorosis.
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