Analytical transmission electron microscopy of the distribution of elements in human supragingival dental calculus. 1985

W A McDougall

Thin sections of supragingival calculus from lower anterior teeth of 26 subjects were examined. From each specimen, an average of 10 spectra was collected from a densely-mineralized area less than 100 micron diameter. Only spectra showing peaks for minor elements or unusual Ca:P peak ratios were collected, stored and analysed semi-quantitatively. Ca:P weight percentage ratios varied within each specimen. Although most lay within the range 1.6 to 1.8, ratios of less than 1 and greater than 22 were obtained. The latter indicated the presence of some P-free Ca salts. The minor elements Mg and Zn occurred most frequently but the concentration within a specimen varied from the undetectable up to approx. 3 per cent by weight for Mg and 1 per cent for Zn. Low peaks for Ti, Ni, Co, As, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd and Sn occurred in 1 to 3 spectra from a few specimens, indicating localized areas rich in one of these elements. Low to questionable Pb peaks were present in at least one spectrum from each of 20 specimens. There is thus a non-homogeneous distribution of Ca and P and of many minor elements throughout the calculus.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008274 Magnesium A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and atomic weight 24.31. It is important for the activity of many enzymes, especially those involved in OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION.
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D010758 Phosphorus A non-metal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions. Black Phosphorus,Phosphorus-31,Red Phosphorus,White Phosphorus,Yellow Phosphorus,Phosphorus 31,Phosphorus, Black,Phosphorus, Red,Phosphorus, White,Phosphorus, Yellow
D002118 Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003728 Dental Calculus Abnormal concretion or calcified deposit that forms around the teeth or dental prostheses. Tartar,Calculus, Dental
D004577 Electron Probe Microanalysis Identification and measurement of ELEMENTS and their location based on the fact that X-RAYS emitted by an element excited by an electron beam have a wavelength characteristic of that element and an intensity related to its concentration. It is performed with an electron microscope fitted with an x-ray spectrometer, in scanning or transmission mode. Microscopy, Electron, X-Ray Microanalysis,Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission, Electron Microscopic,Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission, Electron Probe,X-Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Microscopic,X-Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Probe,X-Ray Microanalysis, Electron Microscopic,X-Ray Microanalysis, Electron Probe,Microanalysis, Electron Probe,Spectrometry, X Ray Emission, Electron Microscopic,Spectrometry, X Ray Emission, Electron Probe,X Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Microscopic,X Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Probe,X-Ray Microanalysis,Electron Probe Microanalyses,Microanalyses, Electron Probe,Microanalysis, X-Ray,Probe Microanalyses, Electron,Probe Microanalysis, Electron,X Ray Microanalysis,X Ray Microanalysis, Electron Microscopic,X Ray Microanalysis, Electron Probe
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D014131 Trace Elements A group of chemical elements that are needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of an organism. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Biometal,Biometals,Trace Element,Trace Mineral,Trace Minerals,Element, Trace,Elements, Trace,Mineral, Trace,Minerals, Trace

Related Publications

W A McDougall
April 2001, Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology,
W A McDougall
February 1973, Journal of periodontology,
W A McDougall
June 1995, Periodontology 2000,
W A McDougall
January 1960, Science (New York, N.Y.),
W A McDougall
February 1985, Scandinavian journal of dental research,
W A McDougall
August 1976, Calcified tissue research,
W A McDougall
December 1976, Calcified tissue research,
W A McDougall
January 2004, Journal of periodontology,
W A McDougall
September 1984, Showa Shigakkai zasshi = The Journal of Showa University Dental Society,
Copied contents to your clipboard!