Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the fluoride distribution in cementum of rat molars under varying fluoride administration. Four groups of Wistar rats received water containing 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm fluoride respectively for 10 weeks. Cementum specimens were removed from the distal root of the first molars. Fluoride distribution in each specimen was analysed from the surface to cementum-dentine junction using an abrasive micro-sampling technique.
The following results were obtained;
1) The fluoride distribution was higher at or near the surface and decreased towards the interior in both control and experimental groups.
2) The concentration throughout the tissue increased with fluoride intake.
3) The distribution patterns were roughly the same in right and left teeth of the subject.
4) It was considered that the rat molar cementum could be used as an experimental model for research on human cementum.
