Burton's line, also known as the Burton line or Burtonian line, is a clinical sign found in patients with chronic lead poisoning. It is a very thin, black-blue line visible along the margin of the gums, at the base of the teeth.[1][2] It is caused by the reaction between circulating lead and sulphur ions produced by oral bacteria, forming deposits of lead sulfide in the gums.[3]
| Burton's line | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Differential diagnosis | Chronic lead poisoning |
The sign was described in 1840 by Henry Burton:[4]
The edges of the gums attached to the necks of two or more teeth of either jaw, were distinctly bordered by a narrow leaden-blue line, about the one-twentieth part of an inch in width, whilst the substance of the gum apparently retained its ordinary colour and condition.
A similar line, the "bismuth line", occurs in people who have ingested bismuth compounds; bismuth, however, is of relatively low toxicity.
References
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