Fluoride profiles in the cementum and root dentine of human permanent anterior teeth extracted from adult residents in a naturally fluoridated and a non‐fluoridated area

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of water fluoride concentration on the fluoride profile across the entire thickness of the cementum and root dentine of human permanent anterior teeth in adults. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight human permanent anterior teeth from individuals aged from 30 to over 60 years were studied. SETTING: Teeth were obtained from a natural high-fluoride area (West Hartle-pool, UK; 1.0-1.3 ppm F in drinking water, WHP) and the other from a non-fluoridated naturally low fluoride area (Leeds, UK; 0.1 ppm F in drinking water, LDS). DESIGN: Cementum and root dentine were sampled using an abrasive micro-sampling technique from the cementum surface to the pulpal surface of root dentine. RESULTS: Fluoride concentration was higher in tooth roots (the cementum and dentine) taken from the naturally fluoridated area (WHP) than from the non-fluoridated area (LDS). Age and average fluoride concentration showed a positive correlation in WHP dentine, middle region of the root (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and in the apical region of the root (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). WHP cementum had the strongest fluoride concentration correlation with age in the cervical region of the root (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the area (water fluoride content), age and number of years lived in the area combined with total age were significant. CONCLUSIONS: The fluoride content of cementum and root dentine in adult residents is related to fluoride content in drinking water.