The Centers for Disease Control has lowered the acceptable concentration of lead in the blood in young children from We did not find any literature on studies exploring the effect of lead on salivary gland function in humans. Results from three studies conducted with rats, however, show very clearly that exposure prenatal or postnatally may reduce stimulated salivary flow. The effects on resting flow were not explored. Although the clinical studies mentioned above may have flaws, the relationship between lead exposure and caries is consistent. Results from humans and animals show that enamel accumulates lead, and that enamel formation can be adversely affected.
Many states now require that the blood levels of lead in infants be determined and recorded.
If it is agreed that exposure to lead constitutes a risk for dental caries, the blood lead levels of children should be part of their dental record. This information could form the basis for preventive measures and alert the dental practitioner to behavioral and other problems associated with lead intoxication. Please see also the Consensus Development Program pages, and in particular the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Caries . Copyright 2000 Regents of the University of Michigan. All rights reserved.