Dental Caries and the Concentration of Aluminium and Strontium in Enamel

Abstract

The concentration of aluminium and strontium was determined (by AAS) in soil (total and exchangeable), drinking water and dental enamel from an area (Zemunik) with low caries prevalence (DMFT < 2). For comparison purposes, similar samples were collected and analyzed from another village (Novigrad) in the same region with normal caries prevalence (DMFT > 5). A positive correlation between low caries prevalence and a higher concentration of strontium in soil (exchangeable form), drinking water and enamel was found. The distribution of strontium in dental enamel was shown to be fairly uniform. The concentration of aluminium in drinking water and the exchangeable form in soil was higher in the area of Zemunik.

Strontium and Caries: A Long and Complicated Relationship

“…Steadman et al [1958] found an almost uniform Sr distribution in enamel which was supported by other studies [Vrbic and Stupar, 1980;Noren et al, 1983;Frank et al, 1989], whereas Cutress [1972a] reported either higher surface or higher bulk [Sr] depending on the sample's origin. The concept of a Sr gradient in teeth was also supported by Little and Barrett [1976a,b], who reported higher [Nixon and Helsby, 1976].…”

“…Other elements, such as F, were not studied. A subsequent 13 study by Spector and Curzon [1979] Vrbic and Stupar [1980] were able to demonstrate a negative correlation between [Sr] in enamel and caries incidence, which was supported by athe later studies ofby Athanassouli et al [1983] and Curzon [1985].…”

“…Curzon and Crocker, 1978], it was concluded that apart from F and Sr, other trace elements, such as Al, Fe and Se, also exhibit negative correlations with caries prevalence. In relation to a) it must be noted that two epidemiological studies [Athanassouli et al, 1983;Vrbic and Stupar, 1980] were reported, correlating [Sr] with a decrease in caries in areas with negligible [F] in water. The voiced criticism by LeGeros [1990], that the 'possible 'cariostatic' effect of Sr…may be due principally to the effect of F which was simultaneously present', is therefore not entirely justified.…”

“…[F] in water was very low (< 0.06 ppm) in both districts. Furthermore, Vrbic and Stupar [1980] were also able tofound a negatively correlationte between [Sr] in water with DMFT scores in areas with low [F] (< 0.15 ppm).…”

Strontium Uptake and Enamel Dissolution in Bovine and Human Enamel (Short Communication)

“…Several epidemiologic studies have in dicated an association of strontium (Sr) in drinking water supplies with a lower pre valence of dental caries [Curzon et al, 1978;Vrbic and Stupar, 1980], Although the animal studies have been equivocal, recent reports have shown a tendency for Sr to reduce caries [Ashrafi et al, 1980]. Other studies have shown that the element can readily be incorporated into apatite and bring about changes in lattice parame ters [LeGeroset al, 1978] and to reduce en amel dissolution [Dedhiya et al, 1974].…”