DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i02.012

Pages: 178-181

Copper is an essential trace mineral. All the tissues of the body need it for normal metabolic function. There is a continuous synergy between nutrition and the integrity of the oral cavity in health and disease. The study was designed as a case-control study comprising 50 patients with periapical inflammation and 50 healthy subjects as controls. Serum copper estimation was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. There was a decrease in serum copper level in periapical inflammation patients when compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001, highly significant). The multi-faceted role of copper in biological systems is demonstrated by several studies. The study suggests the need of a balanced copper containing diet is for normal health and well being of individuals.