Analysis of Submandibular Salivary Calculus by External PIXE

This work presents the study by external PIXE of two giant submandibular obtained from different individuals. The backscattered protons were detected to perform Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) simultaneously to PIXE. These calculi are rare and presented a layered structure; an elemental profile was obtained: P, Ca, O are commonly detected; Cl, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br and Sr are detected in particular layers. The ratios O/Ca and P/Ca were similar for the two calculi, but large differences for the other elemental contents were observed among the calculus. This analysis constitutes an indirect method to identify salivary components of particular cases.