The potential of trace elements mapping in child’s natal tooth by laser ablation-ICPMS method

Abstract

Purpose

Tooth enamel might provide past chronological metabolic, nutritional status and trace metal exposure during development. Thus, the trace elements distribution embedded in tooth tissues represents an archive of the environmental conditions. The choice of biomarker is estimated as critical to the measurement of metal exposure. Natal teeth are defined as teeth being present at birth.

Methods

LA-ICP-MS provides a quantitative assessment of spatial distribution of trace elements in a natal tooth. The objective of the current study was to compare concentrations of building and other elements in a rare but reliable and valid biomarker - natal tooth.

Results

It have been reported presence of potentially toxic elements: Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni distributed in prenatally and perinatally formed enamel and dentine.

Conclusions

Analyses of deciduous enamel can provide answers into individuals’ earliest development, including critical pre- and perinatal period.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00611-2.