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Trace elements can influence the physical properties of tooth enamel
Elnaz Ghadimi1, Hazem Eimar, Benedetto Marelli
1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada.
Springerplus
|October 18, 2013
Summary
Trace elements in tooth enamel influence apatite nanocrystal size and physical properties. This study identified specific elements affecting enamel
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Materials Science
- Dental Research
Background:
- Tooth enamel's physical properties are influenced by apatite nanocrystal size.
- The factors regulating apatite nanocrystal size in enamel remain largely unknown.
- Trace elements are known to affect synthetic apatite crystallographic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of trace elements on the crystallographic properties of tooth enamel.
- To determine the correlation between trace element concentration and enamel's physical properties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of trace element concentrations in 38 human teeth using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
- Statistical analysis (simple and stepwise multiple regression) to correlate trace elements with crystallographic structure, hardness, crack propagation resistance, shade lightness, and carbonate content.
Main Results:
- Detected trace elements include Al, K, Mg, S, Na, Zn, Si, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Ti.
- Specific trace elements (Pb, Ti, Mn) correlated with apatite nanocrystal size.
- Trace elements (Se, Cr, Ni) correlated with enamel lattice parameters.
- Titanium (Ti) showed significant correlation with crystallographic structure, hardness, and shade lightness.
Conclusions:
- Trace elements play a significant role in regulating the crystallographic properties of tooth enamel.
- The presence and concentration of specific trace elements can influence key physical properties of enamel, including hardness and appearance.
- Understanding trace element influence provides insights into enamel biomineralization and potential strategies for modifying its properties.
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