Method: In this cross-sectional study, 250 extracted caries-free primary teeth were collected from patients, aged 6-12 years old, in dental clinics of Tehran, Iran from 2009 to 2010. The lead concentrations in these teeth were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Result: The mean ± SD lead level of all samples was 0.92±0.67 μg/g dry weight. The primary canines showed the highest mean concentration of lead, followed by incisors and molars. Statistically significant differences were seen between canines and molars (P=0.000) and also between canines and incisors (P=0.036). There were no significant differences between lead levels with respect to age and sex (P>0.05). The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) test showed significant differences between lead levels regarding duration of stay in Tehran (P=0.039).
Conclusion: Mean concentration of lead in primary canines was higher than that in incisors and molars in the studied society. ANCOVA test showed a direct relationship between the duration of time spent in Tehran and the amount of lead in primary teeth. Considering age and sex, there was no significant difference between lead levels.