Ref ID:	35122
Ref Type:	Journal Article
Authors:	Reichart, P. A. Lenz, H. Konig, H. Becker, J. Mohr, U.
Title:	The black layer on the teeth of betel chewers: a light microscopic microradiographic and electronmicroscopic study
Date:	1985
Source:	Journal of Oral Pathology
Abstract:	Ten teeth of betel chewing P'wo Karen, a hilltribe group of northern Thailand, were available for this morphologic study. The structural composition of the black layer on these teeth was studied by light microscopy, microradiography and by electronmicroscopy. Principally the black layer on the teeth of betel chewers was identical with subgingival calculus which had been colored by specific polyphenols contained in the betel nut. However, a pellicle-like layer forming initially on enamel crystals was also observed. From the morphologic aspect of the black layer a specific anticariogenic property cannot be attested. Further studies on the chemical composition of this black layer may elucidate its probable anticariogenic and its carcinogenic properties relative to oral submucous fibrosis. PMID- 3926972
Date Created:	6/28/2001
Volume:	14
Number:	6
Page Start:	466
Page End:	475