Trace element concentrations in human enamel

Ninety-three samples of sound whole enamel derived from first premolars of individuals less than 20 yr of age were analysed by optical emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy for 21 trace elements. The teeth originated from 26 communities (11 States) of the U.S.A., representing many types of geographic environment and caries prevalence rates. The minimum, median, mean and maximum concentrations for the 21 elements are reported as baseline data for future reference.