TRACE ELEMENTS IN ANCIENT INDIAN TEETH

¹ University of Rochester and Eastman Dental Dispensary, Rochester, N. Y.

1. The distributions of F, Mn, Zn, Si, Pb, Cu, Ag, Sn, Sr, Fe, Al, and CO₂ were studied in Pueblo Indian (800 years old) and Indian Knoll (5,000 years old) teeth.

2. All trace elements occurred in greater concentrations in the outer than in the inner portion of the enamel. Fluoride was found in greatest concentration in the external enamel, followed by Zn, Si, Mn, Pb, Ag, Cu, and Sn.

3. In the roots, as in the enamel, the various trace elements occurred in greater concentration in surface than subsurface material. The only exception was manganese which had an even distribution. Generally, the concentrations of trace elements were greater in dentin than enamel.

4. There was a remarkable similarity in the distribution of many trace elements between ancient American Indian teeth and contemporary American teeth.

5. Contrary to expectation, there was little penetration of trace elements into the bulk of the tooth structure even in the 5,000-year-old teeth.