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Published on: March 29, 2018
Dental fluorosis in bovine temporary teeth
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|February 1, 1985
Summary
High fluoride intake in pregnant cows did not cause dental fluorosis in their calves. Skeletal fluoride levels increased, but enamel quality and structure remained unaffected in deciduous incisors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Dental Science
Background:
- Fluoride toxicity in cattle can impact permanent teeth.
- Recent reports suggest potential effects on deciduous teeth, but evidence is limited.
- Understanding fluoride's impact on young bovine dental development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal fluoride exposure on the deciduous incisors of calves.
- To determine if high fluoride intake causes dental fluorosis in young cattle.
- To compare enamel characteristics and skeletal fluoride levels between exposed and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Deciduous incisors from calves born to dams fed high fluoride forage (40 ppm) were compared to controls on a normal diet.
- Gross, histologic, and radiologic examinations were performed on the incisors.
- Skeletal fluoride concentrations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Calves from fluoride-fed dams showed a 5-8 fold increase in skeletal fluoride concentration.
- No enamel mottling or hypoplasia was observed in deciduous incisors.
- No significant differences in enamel amount or hardness were detected.
Conclusions:
- Maternal high fluoride intake does not induce dental fluorosis in bovine deciduous incisors.
- Observed skeletal fluoride increases do not correlate with visible dental defects in young calves.
- Current findings do not support claims of widespread deciduous dental fluorosis as a sign of fluoride toxicity in cattle.
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