A case study of elemental and structural composition of dental calculus during several stages of maturation using SRXRF

Abstract

This work presents a study of elemental composition and preponderant structure of human dental calculus, as they mature in the mouth for a period of 1 year. The synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique using a white beam was employed as an analytical method. The set of samples were extracted from different dental elements of the same subject, who did not require any other clinical care. By means of analyzing the Ca/P molar ratio an estimation of the main crystallographic structure was attained, by simple comparison with stoichiometric values of the several crystalline structures that compose the calculus. The results showed a slowly progressive transformation of the initial crystalline structures (brushite) into more stable structures (hydroxyapatite), passing through octacalcium phosphate and whitlockite. The concentrations of mayor components (Ca and P) as a function of time followed a sigmoid curve. The analysis of trace element concentrations versus time indicated a null or small correlation of concentration values with the kinetics of the crystallization process.

Mineral Density Volume Gradients in Normal and Diseased Human Tissues

“…The results of this study provide an extended perspective on mineral density gradients by correlating gradients with concentrations of apatite forming elements: calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. In the literature, ranges exist for the Ca/P ratio of enamel (2.3–2.4)[ 30 ], bone (1.63–2.01)[ 31 , 32 ], pathologic bone (1.48–1.55)[ 32 ], cementum (1.3–1.97)[ 30 , 31 ], acellular cementum (1.65)[ 30 ], dentin (2.1) and hypomineralized dentin (1.9)[ 33 ], and dental calculus (0.9–1.7)[ 34 – 36 ]. Although Ca/Zn ratios in various mineral formations in humans have not been investigated, recent studies have observed a correlation between Ca and Zn content, including Zn/Ca ratios in rat bones[ 37 ] and in cementum and periodontal disease[ 38 ].…”

The Diet of Three Medieval Individuals from Caravate (Varese, Italy). Combined Results of ICP‐MS Analysis of Trace Elements and Phytolith Analysis Conducted on Their Dental Calculus

“…In particular, hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, octacalcium phosphate and whitlockite are generally observed (Perez et al , ; Hayashizaki et al , ). The crystals of phosphates can also exchange ions with the oral fluids and adsorb organic compounds (Perez et al , ; Abraham et al , ). Divalent cations can enter the lattice and replace calcium, and many different anions, such as silicate, can substitute phosphates.…”

“…Some articles about chemical analysis of calculus can be found in the literature, generally focused on mineralogical phases of modern individuals, but sometimes also on elemental composition and on ancient samples. It is reported, for example, the use of X‐ray diffraction (Hayashizaki et al , ), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Hayashizaki et al , ), fluorescent X‐ray spectroscopy (Hayashizaki et al , ) and synchrotron radiation analysis by X‐ray fluorescence (Sanchez et al , ; Perez et al , ; Abraham et al , ). Data were also collected using scanning electron microscopy associated with X‐ray spectrometry (Charlier et al , ; Hardy et al , ), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Hardy et al , ) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (Molokhia and Nixon, ).…”

Gender-Related Differences in a Process of the Age-Dependent Alterations of the Elements in Monkey Sino-Atrial Node

“…The phenomena would be mainly caused by the alterations of Ca, P, Fe, S, Zn and Mg. The gender difference was significant in the relation between Ca and P. The role of Ca/P has already been shown in bone [29,30], auditory ossicles [31], and teeth [32,33]. Furthermore, the Ca/P ratio plays a role for vascular calcification of aorta and coronary arteries [12,34].…”