Primary Teeth and Hair as Indicators of Environmental Pollution

Abstract

Objectives: To study the influence of environmental pollution on the mineralization of dental hard tissues by using biosubstrates: teeth and hair. :Study design: At the first stage epidemiological survey was conducted in polluted and less polluted areas of Tbilisi (Georgia). We studied 525 children aged 3 and 4 years. Caries prevalence and intensity was defined by the methodology of World Health Organization. At the second stage the chemical elements content was studied in hair and teeth hard tissues of 24 children by X - ray fluorescent spectroscopy method. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in the polluted region was 46%, caries intensity − 1.92 (± 2.842). In the less polluted region prevalence was 37%, caries intensity − 1.47 (± 2.571). These data are statistically reliable (p < 0.05). The study of hair and tooth tissues showed that the toxic elements (Pb, Hg, Sn, Ti) content in these tissues was higher in environmentally unfavorable than in favorable conditions. Conclusion: Hair and dental tissues can be used as indicators of environmental pollution. Our survey showed that toxic elements content in dental hard tissues was higher and the level of essential elements was less in polluted than in less polluted areas of Tbilisi.