Mineral composition of enamel and dentin of primary and permanent teeth in Finland

The concentrations of 12 different elements were measured in dentin and enamel of primary and permanent teeth collected in six different localities in Finland. Na, Cl, Al, Mn, Ca, and P were determined by neutron activation analysis, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe by the atomic absorption method, and F with the fluoride-specific electrode. Most elements were present in higher concentrations in the enamel than in the dentin: Mg, however, was higher in the dentin. Compared with the permanent teeth, the primary teeth contained more K and Mn in enamel and K and Mg in dentin, but less Na and Zn in enamel. Differences between the six localities were significant for F, Cl, K, Zn, Na, and Mn. Fe, Cu, and Mn contents of teeth were much lower in Finland than elsewhere; in the typical Finnish diet the contents of Fe and Cu are relatively low and iron deficiency anemia is usually common in Finland.