title: Fluoride concentration in dentin of exfoliated primary teeth as a biomarker for cumulative fluoride exposure.
abstract: A biomarker for lifetime fluoride exposure would facilitate population-based research and policy making but currently does not exist. This study examined the suitability of primary tooth dentin as a biomarker by comparing dentin fluoride concentration and fluoride exposures. Ninety-nine children's exfoliated primary teeth were collected from 2 fluoridated and 2 fluoride-deficient communities in North Carolina. Coronal dentin was isolated by microdissection and fluoride concentration assayed using the microdiffusion, ion-specific electrode technique. Information on children's fluoride exposures since birth from drinking water, toothpaste, supplements, rinses, food and beverages was collected by a self-reported questionnaire administered to caregivers. Only a small portion of the variance (10%) in incisor dentin fluoride (mean 792, SD 402 mg/kg) was accounted for by the best linear regression model as evaluated by the adjusted R(2). A moderate portion of the variance (60%) of molar dentin fluoride (mean 768, SD 489 mg/kg) was predicted by dietary fluoride supplement exposures, community of residence, and frequent tea consumption. Results for molars suggest that primary tooth dentin concentration may prove to be a satisfactory biomarker for fluoride exposure.
authors.affiliation: Office of the Army Surgeon General, Falls Church, VA 22041-3258, USA. georgia.delacruz@us.army.mil
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: dela Cruz
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Rozier
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bawden
mesh_terms: D001628:Beverages; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004058:Diffusion; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000737:chemistry; D017736:Ion-Selective Electrodes; D008297:Male; D042282:Microdissection; D008963:Molar / Q000737:chemistry; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009657:North Carolina; D013662:Tea; D014080:Tooth Exfoliation; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000737:chemistry*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D013662:Tea; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides