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  • Title: [Use of acid enamel biopsy in examinations of enamel mineral content of permanent human teeth with reference to age and environmental conditions].
    Author: Jakubowska K.
    Journal: Ann Acad Med Stetin; 2002; 48():213-30. PubMed ID: 14601479.
    Abstract:
    Human activity during the last decades has led to changes in the circulation of fluorine and other elements in the natural environment. Due to their narrow safety margin, environmental levels of fluorine compounds require careful monitoring. Studies on contamination with fluorine of the natural environment in Szczecin and its surroundings have a long history. Until recently, maximal allowable concentrations of this element in air, water and soil have substantially been exceeded. Markers reflecting adverse effects of fluorine on living organisms and man, among them magnesium deficit, continued to raise concern. The aim of this work was to apply a modified method for enamel sampling, the acid enamel biopsy, to determine the content of fluorine and magnesium in superficial layers of enamel of permanent teeth in 14-year-old children and adults residing in Szczecin or Białystok--two cities differing as to level of contamination of the environment with fluorine compounds. Correlations between age and content of fluorine and magnesium in superficial layers of permanent teeth were studied as well. Altogether, 40 premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons in children and for periodontologic or prosthetic reasons in adults were sampled and the mineral content in three superficial layers of enamel on the buccal surface was determined. Fluorine concentrations were measured with gas chromatography, while calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry. The mineral content was studied before and after removal of calcium fluorine deposits from the surface and pores of the premolars. In addition, the thickness and mass of each layer was calculated (Tables 1 and 2). To sample the layers, perchloric acid was applied three times to the same site and the depth of dissolution after each application was measured (Table 3). Total fluorine, structural fluorine and calcium fluorine content was measured in each layer (Table 4). Magnesium content was determined before and after removal of calcium fluorine deposits (Table 5). The highest content of fluorine and magnesium was found in the outermost layer of enamel (Figs. 1-4). The content decreased with depth demonstrating a logarithmic relationship. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Increased content of fluorine in the natural environment is associated with accumulation of this element in superficial layers of the enamel of permanent teeth in the form of structural fluorine. This process takes place in children and adults alike. 2. The content of fluorine in enamel decreases with depth, irrespective of age and contamination level of the environment. 3. Increased content of fluorine in enamel of adults, as compared with children, appears to be caused by deposits of calcium fluorine. This process takes places independently of environmental contamination with fluorine. 4. A deficit of magnesium in the enamel was found in children residing in fluorine-contaminated areas. In adults, magnesium content was not related to the place of residence, suggesting a lack of effect of fluorine contamination of the content of magnesium in the enamel. 5. The content of magnesium in superficial layers of the enamel decreases with depth following a logarithmic curve. This finding was independent of the level of contamination with fluorine or age.
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