Abstract:
The role of fluoride in reducing the risk of dental caries is well documented and is the basis for current intake recommendations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride content of tap and bottled water currently consumed in Babil-Iraq and to determine whether fluoride intakes by Iraqi consumers fell within the recommended ranges. Fluoride concentrations of 50 samples of tap water (originated from the Euphrates River) and forty popular brands of bottled water currently sold in Babil-Iraq were determined using an Ion-selective electrode. The mean fluoride content of tap and bottled water were 0.184±0.041 and 0.073±0.066 mg L-1, respectively. The average volume of water consumed by Iraqi adults daily was estimated to be 800±240 mL in winter to 2000±650 mL in summer. Based on these data the average daily intake of fluoride by Iraqi consumer from tap and bottled water were 0.147±0.055 to 0.368±0.145 mg and 0.058±0.056 to 0.146±0.140 mg, respectively. These levels revealed that whether tap or bottled water are used as the primary source of drinking water, then Iraqi consumers are at a higher risk of tooth decay. Water fluoridation is recommended as a relevant public health measure to increase the resistance to dental caries.
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