[Fluoride concentration of drinking water and fluoride content of the enamel in deciduous teeth]

The fluoride concentrations in the superficial enamel of deciduous teeth of children from areas with fluoridized drinking water (Basel, up to 1.00 ppm F-) and from a fluoride-deficient area (Hamburg, approx. 0.14 ppm F-) were measured and compared. The results of this investigation show that, if optimal accounts of fluoride are available, the fluoride content in the enamel of deciduous teeth is twice as high as that in teeth of children from areas without fluoridation. The relationship between the reduction of caries due to fluoridized drinking water and the significant increase in fluoride concentration in the enamel was demonstrated.