The prevalence of copper-, silver-, tin-, mercury-and zinc-ions in human saliva.

Author: Nilner K, Glantz PO.

Source: Swedish Dental Journal

Year: 1982

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

The amounts of certain metallic components (Ag, Cu, Hg,Sn and Zn) in saliva possibly derived from dental metallic restorations and due to galvanic actions, were studied in twelve females. Three of these subjects were selected as they complained of certain oral mucosal symptoms and as, upon clinical examination, they were found to have enhanced galvanic action in terms of increased calculated currents at metallic contacts between restorative materials. The rest oflhe subjects did not experience any such symptoms and served as control groups by different criteria. The saliva concentrations of the various metallic components were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. They were not found to vary between the different groups. The results do not forward any support to the view that galvanic action in the oral cavity can give rise to increased metallic contents in saliva. They therefore question the suggestion that increased galvanic action will cause general toxic reactions through the saliva.

Citation: Nilner K, Glantz PO. The prevalence of copper-, silver-, tin-, mercury-and zinc-ions in human saliva. Swedish Dental Journal. 1982;6(2):71.