Abstract
In the present study, fluoride profiles were examined in teeth from Chemnitz (Karl-Marx Stadt) with fluoridated drinking water (F: 1.0ppm) and control areas (Erfurt (F: 0.2ppm) and Nagoya (F: 0.1ppm) ) with non-fluoridated drinking water. The fluoride concentrations in all premolar teeth of children aged 10-14 years old were determined in a series of samples extending from the enamel surface through the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) to the dentino-pulpal junction (DPJ), using an abrasive micro-sampling technique.
The results were as follows;
1) Fluoride profiles in the three areas (Chemnitz, Erfurt and Nagoya) were similar in general.
Concentrations of fluoride were high in the outermost layer of enamel, and then decreased sharply towards the inner enamel. In the inner enamel, concentrations tended to level off with a small increase near the DEJ. Higher levels of fluoride in the dentine than in the enamel were observed near the DEJ. This heightened dentine fluoride level then continued to a distance of about 300μm from the DPJ. There were sharp increases of fluoride levels in the dentine near the DPJ.
2) At every depth of enamel and dentine, the fluoride levels in Chemnitz were 2-3 times higher than in the control areas (Erfurt and Nagoya). No significant difference in fluoride levels was found between Erfurt and Nagoya.
3) There were relatively high concentrations of fluoride in the enamel and dentine near the DEJ, as well as near the enamel surface and in the dentine near the DPJ.
