Trace Elements and Dental Caries Abhinav Singh
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INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1

2
Essential trace minerals also known as trace elements or microcrystalline minerals, are inorganic nutrients that are required by humans in very small amounts [from micrograms (0.001 milligram) to no more than a few milligrams-less than 100 mg/day for humans].
A trace mineral is essential for humans when it has a vital function and is required to avoid a deficiency disease. Also if trace minerals (e.g. manganese, molybdenum, selenium, chromium and cobalt) are concerned with enzyme actions and are identified in normal human enzyme systems, they are also considered essential.1
Macro (major) and micro (trace) nutrients have been identified. Macroelements essential for life have long been known and are required as constituents of proteins, cell walls, and structural tissues and they also play a part in complex biochemical reactions. However microelements exert their influence at very low concentrations, their role being primarily catalytic, rather than building blocks.
Although there was an early start with fluoride, dental research had not considered other trace elements. Trace elements other than fluoride may account for significant differences in caries prevalence observed between the inhabitants of communities whose diets, living conditions, racial stock, and climate are similar.2
Trace elements may reduce or potentiate caries rates. Populations ingesting foods and water with a high selenium, copper and cadmium content are more prone to dental caries. High molybdenum levels in soils or drinking water have been correlated with reduced caries in some studies in humans.
Higher concentration of fluoride and strontium in enamel are associated with low caries incidence in regions in South Carolina, USA, as compared to high caries rates 3found in New England. On the other hand, concentrations of barium, aluminium, lithium, copper and zirconium have been related to high caries incidence in New England population. Exact role of strontium in carious process is yet to be evaluated. Current data suggests that the presence of strontium in plaque enhances the resistance of the tissue to dental caries and that strontium and fluoride may have synergistic actions.3
Several epidemiologic studies since 1953 have examined relationships between dental caries and trace elements such as Mo, Se, Sr, and V. Subsequent animal and in vitro studies have either supported or contradicted these findings.