The relationship of the periodontal status to fluoride levels of alveolar bone and tooth roots.

Abstract

The periodontal status and fluoride levels of alveolar bone and tooth roots were compared for subjects from a high (2.5 ppm F) and a low (less than 0.05 ppm F) fluoride area. The plaque index, gingival index, probing depth and loss of attachment were measured to determine the periodontal status. The fluoride levels were determined by the use of the fluoride ion-selective electrode. Both communities had high plaque and gingival indices. However, the mean pocket probing depths in both communities were less than 2.5 mm. No statistically significant differences could be found in the periodontal status between the 2 areas. The fluoride levels in bone and root were higher for subjects from the high fluoride area. No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated between the fluoride levels in alveolar bone and tooth roots for each area. It was found that the fluoride levels in bone and roots increased with increasing age, but to a lesser degree for subjects from the low fluoride area.