Primary teeth microhardness and lead (Pb) levels

Abstract

Objectives Lead (Pb) exposure is associated with dental caries. Whether Pb affects tooth microhardness, is unclear. Our objective was to assess whether Pb concentration is associated with microhardness. Methods Exfoliated primary teeth were collected from 46 volunteers. Teeth were sectioned, one half of each tooth was tested for enamel Knoop microhardness. The remaining half was digested and Pb measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Results The correlations between Pb levels and microhardness were very low, and were not statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusions Previous exposure to high levels of Pb was not associated with decreased tooth microhardness. Clinical significance This study assessed whether Pb in deciduous teeth is associated with tooth microhardness. As this was not the case, further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms behind the association between lead exposure and tooth decay.

Association among Helicobacter pylori Infection, Tooth Loss, and Heavy Medal Exposure in a Chinese Rural Population

“…Pb and Cd that enter the mouth through food are incorporated into hydroxyapatite crystals, leading to the development of hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD), a disease of uncertain etiology characterized by deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in the shoulder and other arthrosis [10]. They replace calcium ions in teeth, causing enamel hypoplasia and increased abrasion and even tooth loss [11,12]. Browar et al showed that Cd causes loss of alveolar bone in a rodent model of long-term Cd poisoning [13], and further found that higher Cd content in human mandibles is associated with poorer periodontal scores [14].…”