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Burton's line, also known as the Burton line or Burtonian line, is a medical sign found in patients with chronic lead poisoning. It is a very thin, black-blue line visible along the margin of the gingiva, at the base of the teeth. It is caused by the reaction between circulating lead and sulphur ions produced by oral bacteria, forming deposits of lead sulfide in the gums.
The sign was described in 1840 by Henry Burton:
A similar line, the "Bismuthia", occurs in people who have ingested bismuth compounds; bismuth, however, is of relatively low toxicity.
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