Retention of Cu and Zn in the oral cavity following rinsing with aqueous solutions of copper and zinc salts

Abstract

Retention of Cu and Zn in the mouth after rinses with known volumes of aqueous solutions of the metal salts [components of antiplaque mouthrinses] was measured by atomic absorption. The mean amounts retained in 10 subjects were 0.02 mg Cu and 0.22 mg Zn. These values represent .apprx. 31% of the Cu and 15% of the Zn originally in the rinse. The intraindividual variation (SD), estimated by 3 mouthrinses at weekly intervals in 3 subjects averaged 2.1% for Cu and 2.3% for Zn. Following a rinse the salivary concentration of Cu and Zn decreased rapidly during the first 4 h, approaching prerise levels.