Physiological indicators of fluoride exposure and utilization: an epidemiological study.

Individual samples of urine, fingernails, head-hair, saliva, plaque and enamel were collected from three groups of Hungarian children, aged 14 years, who were exposed to contrasting water fluoride levels (less than or equal to 0.11 ppm; 0.5-1.1 ppm; 1.6-3.1 ppm). The mean fluoride concentration of the samples increased consistently and significantly, but mostly non-proportionately, with increasing water fluoride level. With the exception of plaque, the materials examined are considered suitable indicators of exposure to or systemic utilization of fluoride for population groups. Caries experience decreased with increasing fluoride exposure. Dental fluorosis constituted no clinical or aesthetic problem.