IADR Abstract Archives

Fluoride Concentration in Tank Water in Victoria, Australia

Objectives: Water fluoridation is been shown to be effective in caries prevention, however not all Victorians have access to fluoridated water. Many people in rural areas rely on rainwater tanks as their water source, and since 1999 the proportion of Victorian households with water tanks has been increasing. There is currently little information available on whether these water tanks contain any fluoride, and whether the fluoride present in these tanks are at an optimal level for the prevention of dental decay. The aim of this study was to: (1) analyse the fluoride concentration of tank water collected from water tank users in rural Victoria; (2) investigate variables that may affect fluoride concentration; and (3) survey participant attitudes towards water fluoridation.    

Methods: Plastic tubes and a questionnaire were distributed through dentists to households with water tanks in rural Victoria. A midstream sample was collected and returned. Water samples were measured in triplicate using ion chromatography to determine fluoride concentration. The questionnaire contained questions about the type of water tank and roof that collected the water, as well as questions that gauged attitudes towards fluoride. 

Results: A total of 123 samples and completed questionnaires were returned. The mean fluoride concentration in water tanks of <0.01 ppm. No statistically significant association was found between fluoride concentration and variables investigated such as tank material, tank age, roof material and gutter material. Attitudes to water fluoridation varied across the State.

Conclusions: Fluoride levels in tank water are well below the optimal level of fluoride for caries prevention (1 ppm) present in reticulated water. The rural populous which rely solely on tank water for drinking may require additional fluoride supplements for optimal caries prevention.

Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting
2012 Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting (Denarau Island, Fiji)
Denarau Island, Fiji
2012

Scientific Groups
  • Hopcraft, Matthew  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Cochrane, Nathan  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Zhao, Sean  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Thean, Ashley  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Tong, Annie  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Tong, Daniel  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Thum, Yip Sing  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
  • Wen, Jia  ( University of Melbourne, Melbourne, N/A, Australia )
    • Oral Health Research