The fluoride content of human tooth enamel in relation to environmental exposure to fluoride

Abstract

Double-layer superimposed biopsies were used for sampling sound labial enamel of upper permanent central incisor teeth of 189 children (mean age 8.4 years, SD = 0.36), comprising five groups, representing life-long exposure to contrasting concentrations of F in the water (range less than or equal to 0.12 ppm to 2.8 ppm) and to supplements of 200 or 350 mg F/kg domestic salt. The mean F concentrations of enamel ranged through the groups from 924 ppm to 2401 ppm in the surface layer (average central depth = 0.49 micron) and from 450 ppm to 1428 ppm in the subsurface layer (average central depth = 2.62 microns). The differences between the mean F concentrations of the groups were significant in each instance and the values consistently reflected the extent of F exposure. It was concluded that the F content of enamel is a reliable indicator of environmental exposure to F for populations, but not for every individual.

Surface Enamel Fluoride Concentrations of Different Types of Human Teeth in a High- and Near-optimal-fluoride Area

“…Normally, these rivers are dry for more than 90% of the year because of the high temperature (annual average maximum daytime temperature = 270 -320C) and low annual rainfall (7.5 cm). The finding of "no significant differences" in the enamel fluoride concentrations of the central incisors between girls and boys is in agreement with the results of many authors (Retief et al, 1979a, b;Pearce et al, 1982; Van der Merwe et al, 1977;Schamschula et al, 1982). Bischoff et al (1976) reported significantly higher (p=0.015) fluoride concentrations in enamel for males than for females in an area with 0.4 -6 ppm fluoride in the drinking water.…”

“…Van der Merwe et al (1977) also demonstrated a difference in the etching depths. Other authors could not find any significant differences in etching depths between the sexes (Schamschula et al, 1982;Retief et al, 1979a, b). No significant differences (p>0.05) could be demonstrated in the enamel etching depths between the high-and near-optimalfluoride areas (Table).…”

Relationship between Enamel Fluoride Levels, Degree of Fluorosis and Caries Experience in Communities with a Nearly Optimal and a High Fluoride Level in the Drinking Water (Short Communication)

“…On the other hand, it is well documented that high levels of fluoride in the drinking water are associated with varying degrees of fluorosis [Forsman et al, 1974;Olsson, 1979;Kiinzel, 1980;Mclnnes et al, 1982;Driscoll et al, 1983;Segreto et al, 1984]. Recently the relationship between enamel fluoride levels, dental caries experience and degree of fluorosis has received a great deal of attention [Aasenden et al, 1971;Bischoff et al, 1976;Van der Merwe etal., 1977;Retiefet al, 1979a, b;Pearceet al, 1981;Schamschula et al, 1982]. From the above publications it is clear that en amel fluoride level, caries experience and dental fluorosis score vary from one popu lation to another.…”

Estandarización de la técnica de biopsia para determinación de fluoruro en esmalte dental

“…El fluoruro incorporado en el esmalte dental durante el período preeruptivo refleja su exposición sistémica durante la amelogénesis (5), por lo que el esmalte ha sido propuesto como marcador biológico de exposición a fluoruro (6). Los estudios realizados en dientes no erupcionados muestran un patrón de distribución de fluoruro en el esmalte dental con una concentración mayor en la superficie externa y menor hacia el interior del esmalte (7)(8)(9)(10)(11).…”