Lead, copper, and cadmium in teeth of normal and mentally retarded children

Whole teeth obtained from handicapped children and from controls have been analysed for lead by anodic stripping voltammetry. No significant differences were found between the two groups. Teeth originating from the same patient showed systematic variations in lead content that are dependant on anatomical tooth type. The nature of this association is discussed. Analyses of sectioned teeth revealed, for cadmium and copper, unexpectedly large variations. High concentrations of cadmium found in the tips of deciduous incisor teeth indicate a probable contribution from maternal blood.