Fluorine is a natural element found at varying concentrations in all drinking water and in soil. It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace in the body. When consumed in optimal amounts in water and food and used topically in toothpaste, rinses, and office treatments, fluoride reduces the risk and prevalence of dental caries and help promote enamel remineralization throughout life. Fluoride is absorbed in intestine and excreted via the kidney. Water fluoridation is to maintain optimal fluoride concentration of water to prevent dental caries. Recently water fluoridation is in practice in many cities in Korea.
This study was undertaken to estimate the total intake of fluoride of residents drinking fluoride-poor water and fluoridated water.
The 24-hours urine samples was collected from 2-10-year-old children and 25-35-year-old men. The analyses were performed potentiometrically using a fluoride-specific electrode. The volume of 24-hours urine was measured, the urinary fluoride concentration was determined and the amount of urinary fluoride excretion was calculated. The amount of urinary fluoride excretion was compared statistically and the intake of fluoride was estimated.
The results obtained were as follows;
1. "The mean 24-hours urinary fluoride excretion of subjects drinking fluoridated water was shown to be significantly higher(p (0.05) than that. of subjects drinking fluoride-poor water, both children and men.
2. Total daily intake amounts of fluoride of adult drinking fluoridated water and fluoride-poor water are estimated 1.9-2.8 mg and 0.9-1.3 mg, respectively.
3. Total daily intake amounts of fluoride of children drinking fluoridated water and fluoride-poor water are estimated 0.063 mg/kg and 0.043 mg/kg, respectively.
4. Total daily intake amounts of fluoride of residents drinking fluoridated water dose not exceed optimal range, and that of residents drinking fluoride-poor water is under optimal range. So, it was concluded that water fluoridation should be recommended at non fluoridated area in Korea.
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