THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AND WATER-BORNE FLUORIDES IN A POPULATION WITH LOW CARIES INCIDENCE

¹ Stomatological Clinic of the University, Debrecen, Hungary

In Hungary, a country with an a priori low caries incidence, identical differences were found in the D.M.F. rates between fluoride (more that 0.5 ppm) and fluorine-free (less than 0.5 ppm) areas as in the U.S.A. and other regions with high caries incidence. An identical concentration of F is required in spite of the lower strength of caries-producing forces to secure an equal protection. By comparing the D.M.F. first molar rates in 9- to 11-year-old and 12- to 14-year-old subjects in fluoride and fluorine-free areas, and the deciduous molar caries experience in 8- to 9-year-olds, the action of fluorine is regarded as inhibitive and not as caries delaying only. Onset of use of fluorinated waters has to occur within the first six years of life in order to produce an appreciable protection against caries in the permanent dentition. In some communities factors deleterious to the teeth are at work, resulting in increased caries incidence.

The term "eufluorosis" is proposed to express optimal protection against caries, without causing disfiguring mottling, and effecting maximal saturation of the dental hard tissues with fluorine.