Fluorine concentration in primary tooth enamel in 6-year-olds after 3 years of daily intake of fluoride-containing tablets (Fludent)
Widenheim, J.; Petersson, L.G.; Koch, G.
Swedish Dental Journal 8(4): 203-207
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0347-9994 PMID: 6594786 Document Number: 237119
The aim of this study was to determine the posteruptive uptake of F in primary tooth enamel after daily consumption of a fluoride-containing sucking tablet for 3 yr. The study consisted of 17 children who had been advised to suck on 1 NaF tablet (Fludent, 0.25 mg F) daily at bedtime, from 3 to 6 yr of age (test group), and 17 children without tablet supply (control group). No other fluoride preparation was used during the period. A chemical biopsy method was used to determine the F concentration in enamel at age 6. Two consecutive layers on the upper central primary incisors of each child were etched off by perchloric acid. Chemical analysis of the test solutions was used to determine the thickness of the enamel layers and the F content. Statistical evaluations were performed by analysis-of-variance. F was incorporated in primary tooth enamel as a topical effect of the fluoride tablet intake. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups regarding F measured on the layers combined and in the outer layer (.apprxeq. 5 .mu.m thick), but not in the inner layer (.apprxeq. 8 .mu.m). The posteruptively increased enamel F concentrations probably contribute to the caries-preventive effect of NaF tablets.