Exposure to Metal Ions and Susceptibility to Dental Caries

Abstract

Results from several epidemiologic studies have shown that there are large differences in the prevalence of dental caries from one region to another within the United States as well as in other countries. It has been postulated that the observed differences may be attributed in part at least to exposure to trace elements such as selenium, vanadium, molybdenum, strontium, and lead. Although data from epidemiologic studies usually support this hypothesis, direct evidence is sparse with the possible exception of exposure to lead. Data from several epidemiologic studies and animal-based research support the concept that lead is a caries-promoting element. Lead mimics calcium in several respects and may affect development of teeth and salivary glands, clearly enhancing susceptibility to dental caries. Elevated blood levels are found most commonly in persons residing in inner cities, particularly among the poor. Many states require blood lead level to be monitored in young children. Where feasible, these records should form part of health history and be available to the treating dental practitioner to ensure that extra preventive procedures may be implemented. . The complete version of this paper can be viewed at http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/ news/consensus.asp.

Determination of fluoride, zinc and lead ions concentrations in primary teeth and drinking water and dental caries experience

“…Higher Pb level in urban drinking water (0.0098 + 0.0005 ppm) than wells drin-king water (which is not detected) with hi-gh significant differences in the value of dmfs in the urban area (20.24 + 10.74 ppm) than rural area (7.92 + 5.28 ppm) (p<0.001). These indicated toward the cari-ogenic role of Pb which agreed with Bowen (29) who found a strong positive correlation between caries prevalence and concentration of Pb in drinking water.…”

The effects of fluoride, strontium, theobromine and their combinations on caries lesion rehardening and fluoridation

“…When strontium and fluoride were copresent, an increase in crystallinity of carbonated apatites, a surrogate for dental enamel, was noted (Featherstone, Shields, Khademazad, & Oldershaw, 1983). Similar effects were proposed for theobromine (Nakamoto, Simmons, & Falster, 1999& 2001. Hence, the present laboratory study was concerned with investigating potential additive or synergistic anti-caries effects between fluoride, strontium, theobromine and their combinations.…”

“…Theobromine has been shown to enhance crystallinity of apatites without affecting remineralization in animal caries studies (Nakamoto, Simmons, & Falster, 1999& 2001 although no hypothesis on its mode of action has been provided yet. Theobromine (primarily found in cocoa and cocoa products) belongs to the group of methylated xanthines and is structurally similar to caffeine (coffee, tea) and theophylline (tea, cocoa), two other naturally occurring alkaloids.…”

“…CPP-ACP) (Cochrane, Cai, Huq, Burrow, & Reynolds, 2010;Rethman et al, 2011). Furthermore, metal ions apart from calcium have attracted some interest in the past, and in particular strontium due to its similarity with calcium (Bowen, 2001;Lippert & Hara, 2012).…”

The Role of Vitamins and Trace Elements on Oral Health: A Systematic Review

“…They enhances uptake and retention of fluorides applied topically and also shows antibacterial effect against cariogenic microorganisms. 44 Trace elements promoting caries formation are Selenium, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Barium, Lead, Calcium, Cadmium, Arsenic, Iron, Potassium and Zirconium. 44 Studies done by Glass RL et al, 45 Anderson RJ, 46 Schamschula RG et al, 47 Glena R et al, 48 Gauba K et al, 49 Bowen WH 44 concluded that Selenium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Lead, Zinc showed positive association with caries while Fluoride, Calcium, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Vanadium, Strontium, Lithium were associated negatively with caries experience.…”