A knowledge of fluoride uptake and distribution in tooth deposits and underlying tooth surfaces could provide useful information about availability and action of fluoride in the oral environment and oral fluids. Fluoride concentration and distribution were therefore measured in supra- and subgingival calculus and at the underlying enamel or cementum surfaces using a mechanical sampling technique and a fluoride electrode (Weatherell et al., 1985).
In this study, twenty extracted teeth with supragingival calculus and twenty teeth with subgingival calculus removed from subjects aged 44 to 67 years old were used. Phosphorus distributions were also determined using a x-ray microanalyser.
The results were as follows;
1) Fluoride concenerations were highest at the surface of dental calculus. There was a lower level plateau for the interior, which rose again as the tooth surface was approached.
2) Supragingival calculus tended to show a smoother profile compared with that of subgingival calculus.