Characterization of smoker and non smoker human teeth using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

In this work, the elemental constituents of smoker and nonsmokerteeth samples of human were analyzed by Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy method (LIBS). Many elements have been detected in the healthy teeth samples, the important once are Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Pb and Na.Many differences were found between (female and male) teeth in Ca, P, Mg, Na and Pb contents. The concentrations of most toxic elements were found significantly in the smoker group.The maximum concentrations of toxic elements such as Pb, Cd and Co were found in older male age above 60 year.Also, it was found that the minimum concentrations of trace elements such as Ca, P and Na exist in this age group. From these results it is clear that the LIBS technique is a powerful tool for fast identification of teeth problems.