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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Dental caries and trace element composition of whole human enamel: Western United States
Abstract:
Samples of whole enamel prepared from 83 teeth were analyzed for the concentrations of 30 trace elements. Samples were from lifelong residents, younger than 20 years of age, of a high-caries area (Oregon) and a low-caries area (California). All samples were caries-free, prepared by standardized methods, and analyzed by spark source mass spectrometry by one laboratory. Elements strongly associated with a high prevalence of caries were copper, and, to a lesser extent, aluminum, sulfur, titanium, chromium, nickel, silver, and tin. A low prevalence of caries was associated with high concentrations of strontium in enamel.
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