Fluoride intake and utilization by Hungarian children: associations and interrelationships

Selected interactions were examined between F, Al, Ca and Mg intakes and their manifestations in dental health parameters and biological samples relating to Hungarian children. The prevalence (DMFT, DMFS) and severity (SR) of caries were inversely related to the F concentration of household water and to the amount of F ingested from foods, beverages and tap or well water. Dental fluorosis and the F content of enamel, plaque, saliva, urine, nails and hair were directly related to the F content of water and to dietary F intake. The high significance levels and absolute consistency of associations lend strong support to the biological interdependence of the variables involved. In contrast, no associations were found between Mg ingestion and F utilization. Despite numerous inverse trends and some statistically significant inverse associations suggesting that dietary Al and Ca interfere with F uptake, the biological significance of the latter findings needs further exploration. Inhaled F amounted to less than 0.17% of the total F intake. The F content of frequently prescribed non-dental medicines ranged from below 0.00001 to 0.014 mg/g; their contribution to total F intake is considered insignificant.