Purpose: The amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in enamel may be crucial for maintaining its integrity and to attenuate potential environmental effects on teeth. The aim of this study was to examine whether the mineral composition of enamel could influence tooth wear.
Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients with severe tooth wear were compared with 20 healthy volunteers. Tooth wear was assessed using clinical examination according to the protocol of Smith and Knight. Subsequently, the maxillary central incisors of each subject were subjected to acid biopsies to assess the mineral composition in the enamel. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with an air/acetylene flame was used to analyze for Ca, Zn, and Mg. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to analyze for Cu.
Results: The concentrations of Ca and Mg in tooth enamel were comparable in the study and control groups. Zn enamel content was higher in patients with tooth wear, and Cu enamel content was lower in these patients compared with the control group.
Conclusion: The differing Zn and Cu contents in tooth enamel might offer a reason for excessive tooth wear in these patients. However, the results require further, more detailed study.