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Distribution of fluoride in human dental calculus
H Okumura1, H Nakagaki, K Kato
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi-Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan.
Caries Research
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Fluoride concentration in human dental calculus is highest at the outer surface. Subgingival calculus shows greater fluoride variation than supragingival calculus, though overall levels are similar.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Biogeochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Dental calculus is a common oral biofilm.
- Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing dental caries.
- Understanding fluoride distribution in calculus is vital for oral health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of fluoride within human dental calculus.
- To compare fluoride concentration profiles between subgingival and supragingival calculus.
- To assess variations in fluoride levels based on calculus location and patient sex.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical sampling technique for dental calculus.
- Fluoride concentration measurement using a fluoride electrode.
- Statistical analysis of fluoride distribution and variation.
Main Results:
- Fluoride concentrations peaked at the outer calculus surface, decreased internally, and rose near the tooth surface.
- Subgingival calculus exhibited significantly higher fluoride concentration variation (p < 0.01) than supragingival calculus.
- No significant differences were found in total, average, or maximum fluoride concentrations between subgingival and supragingival calculus, nor between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Dental calculus fluoride distribution is heterogeneous, with surface enrichment.
- Subgingival calculus presents a more variable fluoride profile compared to supragingival calculus.
- Overall fluoride content in calculus is not significantly affected by location (supra- vs. subgingival) or sex.