THE EFFECT OF INGESTED FLUORIDE ADMINISTERED IN SALT, MILK, AND TABLETS ON SALIVARY AND URINARY FLUORIDE CONCENTRATIONS

Abstract

SUMMARY: The effect of fluoride administered in salt, milk, and tablets on fluoride secretion in saliva and excretion in urine was compared in a medium-term study in 20 healthy adults 19–45 years of age (mean 25.6±7.4 yrs). After an introductory twoweek control period, three four-week test periods were employed—each separated by two-week washout periods. In each test period, the subjects ingested one mg of fluoride daily in the morning as one of the following: fluoridated salt containing 250 mg F/kg, fluoridated milk containing 5 mgF/L, and fluoride tablets containing 1.1 mg F/tablet (Dentocar, Hungary). Samples of stimulated saliva and 24-hour urine were collected at the beginning (baseline) and at the end of each test period (final). Levels of salivary flow, pH, and fluoride in all baseline samples and in the final samples for the overall control period were practically unchanged. The level of fluoride (mg/L) secreted in saliva and excreted in urine was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the final samples after consumption of fluoridated salt, milk, and tablets, although it was less pronounced in case of salt.