We analyzed trace elements in 100 normal oral mucosae by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method. We studied 48 males and 52 females, 11 to 77 years of age with a mean age of 31.6 years. The submajor elements Na, P, S, Cl, K and Ca were detected in all samples, and Mg was detected in 97% of the samples. Twelve trace elements, Si, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo and Sn, were detected in the oral mucosae. Of these trace elements, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Se were detected in greater than 80% of the samples. We detected six ultratrace elements Ge, As, Br, Rb, Pd and Cd. Of these ultratrace elements, Br and Rb were detected in greater than 90% of the samples. Fourteen contaminated elements were detected in the oral mucosae. Al and Pb were detected in all samples, although contaminated elements do not normally exist in human body. There were significantly higher mean concentration values of Se and Pb in the males than in the females. There were significantly different concentration values of S and Cr, according to age groups.
