Serum Fluoride Conuentration in Cairene Children Aged from Two to Twelve Years

Abstract

Nine Trace Elements; iron, iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum and manganese are considered to be of practical importance in human nutrition. The need for including Fl in the list of essential micronutrients has become increasingly strong as its role in the prevention of dental caries has been documented (tJ3erfiowitz et a{, 1989 ).

The first interest in the human Fl state resulted from the discovery in 1931 of chronic endemic Fl toxicity in several countries. Earlier, it was observed that children with mottled enamel had very little dental decay. Since then, numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstra ted the unique pharmacological property of Fl to prevent teeth decay, although Fl has been shown to affect enzyme activity and growth and has anti-carcinogenic activity (Spenser, 1994).

Owing to the unusual presence of Fl in the earth's crust, all water contains Fl in variable concentrations. The bulk of