[Analysis and discuss of trace elements in the teeth].
OBJECTIVE
Through the analysis and discussion of some trace elements in human's teeth, many related information were offered towards the researches and the cure in teeth diseases.


METHODS
Using the ICP-AES method, some trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe, Al and Sr were determined respectively and the interfere caused by the principal element calcium to the above elements in this determination were studied. On the other hand, the changes of these trace elements were discussed between the normal teeth and the decayed teeth and the different ages and genders.


RESULTS
It was found that the content of Cu was out of and that of Al was in direct and that of others elements were in inverse proportion to one's age; the ranges of content of all determined elements in the different age groups were as follows: Sr 70-226 micrograms/g, Zn 74-157 micrograms/g, Al 37-58 micrograms/g, Fe 3.24-11 micrograms/g, Cr 3.03-6.40 micrograms/g, Mn 2-3.39 micrograms/g and Cu 0.18-1.53 micrograms/g; the content of Sr in the female's teeth was obviously and that of Fe, Mn, Zn, Al were slightly higher than in male's, whereas the contents of Cu and Cr in the two genders were mainly consistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Trace elements in teeth are a factor to indicate sorts of teeth diseases and provide the scientific references for some researches in teeth diseases.
Li
Wei-qing
WQ
Henan Institute of Environmental Protection, Zhengzhou, 450004, China.
Zhang
Dong-hui
DH
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D012737:Sex Factors; D014070:Tooth / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
D014131:Trace Elements