Analysis of Metals in Saliva by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. II. Magnesium

¹ Institute of Dental Research, United Dental Hospital, Sydney, Australia

The technique of atomic absorption spectroscopy has been applied to the estimation of magnesium in unashed saliva, using a simple instrument assembled to the specification of Box and Walsh. The saliva is acidified, centrifuged, and diluted tenfold in a 4,400 ppm strontium chloride solution. The method has a high degree of sensitivity and is reliable and extremely rapid.

Estimations of the magnesium concentration in unstimulated and paraffin-stimulated saliva of 183 individuals gave mean values of 0.502 mg. per cent and 0.356 mg. per cent, respectively. Examination of whole saliva in 11 subjects indicated that low magnesium values are associated with high rates of flow. There is no statistical difference between the magnesium concentrations of subjects aged 8-14 and those aged 15-50 years.