Interrelations between the fluoride concentrations in dental plaque and enamel, and exposure to fluoride

The F concentrations in plaque and in underlying enamel were determined in a sample of 99 schoolchildren aged 8.4 years (S.D. = 0.37), comprising four groups, exposed life-long to contrasting concentrations of F in the water (range less than or equal to 0.12 ppm to 2.8 ppm) and to supplements of 350 mg F/kg domestic salt. The mean total F concentrations in plaque (dry wt) increased consistently with increasing exposure to F, but the absolute differences were small and the individual variation was high within each group. Significant inverse associations were demonstrated between individual plaque and surface enamel values within two groups, supported by consistent inverse trends (ns) in the remaining groups. These associations and trends are considered to reflect transfer of F from plaque to underlying surface enamel and concommitant reduction in plaque F concentration.