Effects of brewing conditions on infusible fluoride levels in tea and herbal products and probabilistic health risk assessment

Excessive ingestion of fluorides might adversely affect the health of humans. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the concentrations of infusible fluoride in five different types of tea and herbal products; additionally, the probabilistic health risks associated with the ingestion of fluoride in drinking tea and herbal products were estimated. The highest and lowest concentrations of infusible fluoride were detected in black and white tea, respectively. On average, the highest amount of infusible fluoride was extracted following a short brewing time of 5 min in the case of black tea (2.54 mg/L), herbal tea (0.40 mg/L), and white tea (0.21 mg/L). The level of infusible fluoride during brewing was inversely associated with the leaf size of the tea and herbal products. Furthermore, the type of water used influenced the release of infusible fluoride; purified water yielded lower amounts of infused fluoride. The findings of the probabilistic health risk assessment indicated that the consumption of black tea can increase the fluoride intake leading to chronic exposure. Thus, the health risk posed by fluoride intake from drinking tea needs to be evaluated in more details in the future. Appropriate measures for health risk mitigation need to be implemented to minimize the total body burden of fluorides in humans.

Assessment of Health Risk of Daily Fluoride Intake of Some Selected Dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Several dentifrices are marketed and used by individuals for the purposes of cleaning and maintaining the aesthetic and health of the teeth, promote oral hygiene and aid in removal of dental plaque and food materials from the teeth. This study was thus designed to assess the pH and fluoride concentrations in selected dentifrices and the possible health risks associated with daily fluoride intake of these selected dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study estimated the pH and fluoride concentration of the different dentifrices by the pH meter and Ion Selective Electrode method. In addition, the Daily fluoride intake (DFI), Chronic daily intake (CDI) and Hazard quotient (HQ) for the different dentifrices to assess the risk of fluoride intake was calculated. Results: From the result of this study, it was noticed that only one dentifrice, chewing stick (Massularia acuminate) has a pH (6.8) that conform to the recommended pH range (6.0-7.5) by NAFDAC while the other dentifrices have a pH value (7.6-10.1) that was higher than the pH range recommended by NAFDAC. For the fluoride concentration, it was observed that some of the dentifrices like Dr. Agnes Nwanmma dental powder (440 ppm), Dr. White dental powder (480 ppm) and Eradental powder (760 ppm) have low fluoride concentration when compared with the fluoride standard concentration stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC (825-1250 ppm) while the other dentifrices showed fluoride concentration within the range stipulated by stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC but they were below the fluoride concentrations stated on their different labels. The DFI of the dentifrices was within the range (53.86-131.58 mg/day), CDI (0.744-1.8275 mg/kg/day and the HQ (12.27-30.46). Conclusion: Although the fluoride concentrations of the dentifrices were within the normal range as stipulated by NAFDAC and SON, the observation of HQ > 1 in all the dentifrices implied that dentifrices commonly used in Nigeria may pose health risk to the consumers.

Dietary Fluoride Intake by Children: When to Use a Fluoride Toothpaste?

Fluoride is recommended for its cariostatic effect, but excessive fluoride intake may have health risks. Increased prevalence of dental fluorosis in areas with low fluoride content in drinking water has been attributed to the inappropriate excessive intake of fluoride supplements (tablets and drops) and toothpaste ingestion. The aim of the present study was to estimate the fluoride intake and the risk of fluorosis in children (6 months–6 years) in the Castelli Romani area (province of Rome, Italy), which is volcanic, therefore with a higher concentration of fluorine. Measurements of the fluoride content in drinking water, mineral waters, vegetables and commercial toothpaste for children were performed. The fluoride concentrations of all samples were determined using a Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode (GLP 22, Crison, Esp). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Differences between samples were determined by Student’s t-test. The fluoride content in tap water samples collected from public sources averaged from 0.35 to 1.11 ppm. The Pavona area showed the highest content of fluoride with respect to the others (p ≤ 0.05). The fluoride content in mineral water samples averaged from 0.07 to 1.50 ppm. The fluoride content of some vegetables showed increased mean values when compared to control vegetables (p ≤ 0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, considerations should be made when prescribing fluoride toothpaste for infants (6 months–4 years) in the areas with high fluoride content, because involuntary ingestion is consistent.

Dietary fluoride intake over the course of pregnancy in Mexican women

Objective: To estimate dietary fluoride intake (F) over the course of pregnancy and the overall adjusted difference in dietary F intake by pregnancy stages and levels of compliance with dietary recommendations. Design: Secondary data analysis from a longitudinal pregnancy cohort study in a population exposed to fluoridated salt. Women were followed during the early, middle and late stages of their pregnancy (n 568). The dietary intake of recommended prenatal nutrients according to Mexican dietary guidelines and F intake (mg/d) was estimated with a validated FFQ. Data were summarised with descriptive statistics. Levels of F intake were compared with the USA’s Institute of Medicine adequate intake (AI) of 3 mg/d for pregnancy. Adjusted differences in F intake by pregnancy stages and levels of compliance with recommendations were estimated using random effects models. Setting: Mexico City. Participants: Women participating in the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) project, from 2001 to 2003. Results: Median dietary F intake throughout pregnancy ranged from 0·64 (interquartile range (IQR) 0·38) in the early to 0·70 (IQR 0·42) in the middle, and 0·72 (IQR 0·44) mg/d in the late stage (0·01 mg F/kg per d). Corresponding adjusted intakes of F were 0·72 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·74), 0·76 (95 % CI 0·74, 0·77) and 0·80 (95 % CI 0·78, 0·82) mg/d. Women who were moderately and highly compliant with Mexican dietary recommendations ingested, on average, 0·04 and 0·14 mg F/d more than non-compliant women (P < 0·005). Conclusions: Dietary F intake was below current AI, was greater with the progression of pregnancy and in women who were moderately and highly compliant with dietary recommendations.

Association of Dietary Fluoride Intake and Diet Variables with Dental Caries in Adolescents from the ELEMENT Cohort Study

To examine the association of dietary fluoride intake, total carbohydrate consumption and other key dietary variables with dental caries experience among adolescents, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a sample of 402 participants from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants cohort. The presence and severity of dental caries were assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to calculate the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth or surfaces (D1MFT/D4MFT). The dietary intake of fluoride, energy, carbohydrates, and food groups was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and negative binomial regression models were run to estimate the association of fluoride intake (mg/day) and total carbohydrate intake (g/day) with the D1MFT/D4MFT index. We found that 80% of the adolescents experienced dental caries (D1MFT &#x3e;0), with 30% presenting cavitated lesions (D4MFT &#x3e;0). The mean scores for D1MFT and D4MFT were 6.2 (SD 5.3) and 0.67 (SD 1.3), respectively. The median intake of fluoride estimated by the FFQ was 0.015 mg/kg/day. This intake was statistically higher in participants with a D4MFT = 0 compared to those with a D4MFT &#x3e;0 (0.90 vs. 0.82 mg/day; 0.016 vs. 0.014 mg/kg/day; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). For D1MFT, D1MFS, D4MFT, and D4MFS scores, a higher fluoride consumption (mg/day) from foods and beverages was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the number of lesions. The reported frequency of consumption of sugary foods in a whole day was statistically higher in those with D1MFT &#x3e;0 than in those with D1MFT = 0 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). The total carbohydrate intake (g/day) was positively associated with dental caries experience. We conclude that a higher fluoride intake through foods and beverages is associated with a lower dental caries experience among adolescents; this effect was seen even when the dietary intake of fluoride was 0.015 mg/kg/day, which is lower than the average intake recommendation. In contrast, a higher total carbohydrate intake and the frequency of intake of sugary foods were associated with a higher dental caries experience, with no apparent threshold for the effects.

La concentración de fluoruro en las aguas consumidas en la Región de Murcia no es suficiente para prevenir la caries dental

Introducción: La caries sigue siendo la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en el niño y es considerada un problema de salud pública. El flúor es la principal medida protectora contra la caries dental y el agua de consumo es la principal fuente de ingesta de flúor.Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue calcular la concentración de ión fluoruro en el agua de abastecimiento de 10 zonas y en 10 aguas embotelladas comercializadas en la Región de Murcia.Material y Métodos: La concentración de fluoruro en las aguas se determinó con un electrodo ion–selectivo para flúor previamente calibrado con patrones de fluoruro preparados con TISAB II.Resultados: En el agua de abastecimiento, se detectaron concentraciones de fluoruro entre 0.09 y0.18 mgF/L (ppm) en las aguas embotelladas la concentración de fluoruro varió desde 0.04 a 0.50 ppm.Conclusiones: El fluoruro está presente en aguas consumidas en la Región de Murcia pero enconcentraciones que no alcanzan niveles preventivos para la caries dental. Es necesario prescribir suplementos de flúor en niños con alto riesgo de caries y para ello se deben contabilizar todas las fuentes externas de flúor, incluido el agua. Introduction: Dental caries remains the most frequent chronic disease in childhood and is considered a public health problem. Fluoride has proven effectiveness in the prevention of caries and drinking water is the main source of fluoride intake. The objective of this study was to determine fluoride concentrations in tap water from 10 areas and in 10 bottled waters sold in the Region of Murcia.Materials and Methods: The concentration of fluoride in water was determined using a fluoride ion-selective electrode with a direct technique previously calibrated with standard fluoride concentrations prepared with TISAB II.Results: In tap water, fluoride concentrations from 0.09 to 0.18 mgF/L (ppm) were detected; in bottled waters the concentration of fluoride varied from 0.04 to 0.50 ppm.Conclusion: Fluoride is present in the water consumed in the Region of Murcia but in concentrations that do not prevent dental caries. Fluoride supplements should be prescribed in children at high risk of caries, and for this, all external sources of fluoride intake, including water, must be accounted for.