Effects of fluoride intake on the mineral content, acid solubility and resorption caused by experimental periodontitis of rat alveolar bone.

Adult rats were given either distilled water or drinking water containing 100 parts/10(6) of fluoride. The alveolar bone of rats given fluoride for 90 days showed an increased mineral content and decreased acid solubility compared to the bone of rats given distilled water. Experimental periodontitis was initiated in both groups after 110 days of treatment to cause alveolar bone resorption. Fourteen days later, the rats were killed and it was found that the alveolar bone resorption caused by experimental periodontitis was significantly smaller in the rats given fluoride in their drinking water than in those given distilled water. The findings suggest that fluoride intake might have a protective effect on rapidly progressing alveolar bone resorption.