Characterization of human dental enamel by epithermal neutron activation analysis.

Dental enamel is considered to be a biological interface depending on two phenomena the surroundings and the individual's general metabolism. The analysis of its chemical composition is becoming more and more developed. A neutron activation method has been elaborated and applied to these analyses. The results obtained and their statistical interpretation emphasize the fundamental importance of trace elements as a result of their role in the main physiopathological phenomenon peculiar to dental enamel.