Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/602
Title: Change in fluoride content of Maltese tapwaters : implications for oral health
Authors: Vella, Alfred J.
Borg, Vincent
Keywords: Water -- Fluoridation
Water -- Fluoridation -- Health aspects
Water -- Fluoridation -- Malta
Issue Date: 1989
Publisher: Maltese Medical Journal
Citation: Maltese Medical Journal. 1989, Vol. 1(3), p. 14-17
Abstract: Dietary intake of fluoride is believed to be largely derived from drinking water. In Malta, tap water presently contains less fluoride than is found in naturally occurring ground water obtained from aquifers. Over 55% of water production comes from reverse osmosis and such water is practically fluoride-free. Before the introduction of reverse osmosis water into the water budget, fluoride levels measured from 10 different tap waters averaged 0.51 ppm F-. Now, fluoride content measured from 19 tap water sources averaged 0.21 ppm F- and more than a third of these sources are practically fluoride-free. The incidence of dental caries in Malta has so far been low according to the international standards. We suggest that the lowering of the fluoride level in the water supplies may favour an escalation in the incidence of tooth decay in the future.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/602
Appears in Collections:MMJ, Volume 1, Issue 3
MMJ, Volume 1, Issue 3
Scholarly Works - FacSciChe

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