Fluoride Concentration in Dentin of Exfoliated Primary Teeth as a Biomarker for Cumulative Fluoride Exposure

Vol. 42, No. 6, 2008

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 218 KB)

Original Paper

Fluoride Concentration in Dentin of Exfoliated Primary Teeth as a Biomarker for Cumulative Fluoride Exposure
G.G. dela Cruz^a, R.G. Rozier^b, J.W. Bawden^c

^aOffice of the Army Surgeon General, Falls Church, Va.,
^bDepartment of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, and
^cDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2008;42:419-428 (DOI: 10.1159/000159605)

Key Words

Biomarker
Dentin
Fluoride exposure
Primary dentition

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 R². 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.

Author Contacts

Georgia G. dela Cruz
Office of the Army Surgeon General, DASG-DC
Room 682, Skyline 6, 5109 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3258 (USA)
Tel. +1 703 681 3031, Fax +1 703 681 3035, E-Mail georgia.delacruz@us.army.mil

Article Information

Received: May 3, 2008
Accepted after revision: July 27, 2008
Published online: October 3, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 48

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.