Caries examinations of 251 children aged 12 to 14, from two Ohio towns that use water supplies with high contents of boron and strontium showed a mean DMFS score of 3.56 compared to a score of 5.54 in a control group of 338 children. Findings suggest that the significantly lower caries prevalence in the former group is related to the boron and strontium content of the water rather than a 0.2 ppm difference in the fluorine level.

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147 samples of whole human enamel were analyzed for Sr by spark source mass spectrometry. Each sample was from an individual of known caries history and a life-long resident of their community. Results showed a geographic variation in Sr concentrations with individual concentrations as high as 1,200 ppm. The highest mean concentrations were noted in teeth from N. W. Ohio. Comparisons of Sr levels in teeth of low caries individuals (DMFT < 4), with those from high caries individuals (DMFT > 7) showed that high concentrations of Sr in enamel were associated with low caries.

Analysis was carried out for 66 minor inorganic elements of whole enamel samples obtained from 28 bicuspid teeth ( < 20 years). After each sample was analysed separately by the spark source mass spectroscopy technique, it was found that 35 elements were present in enamel in detectable and quantitatable concentrations but that 31 elements, if present, were below the detectable limits of the technique. Minor elements occurring in the greatest concentration ( > 10 μg/g dry wt) were F, Mg, S, Cl, K, Zn and Sr. Others present in moderate concentration were Al, B, Cr, Fe, Mo, Ba and Pb (1–10 μg/g); Li, Mn, Cu, Se, Br, Rb, Nb, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb (0.1–1.0 μg/g); Ti, V, Y, Zr, I, Cs, Ce, Pr, Nd and Bi were found at very low concentrations ( < 0.1μg/g). Thirty-one other elements could not be detected. It was concluded from this study that at least 41 elements of the Periodic Table are incorporated into developing dental enamel.

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