title: 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.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012965:Sodium Chloride
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride; D005459:Fluorides