Effects of fluoride intake during pregnancy on teeth of offspring

Objectives: The present study is to observe acid resistance of teeth of the offspring affected by fluoride intakes during maternal pregnant period, in order to find the possibility of fluoride intake during pregnancy to prevent dental caries for offspring. Methods: The pregnant SD mice were randomly allocated into four groups and were perfuse by NaCl 0.9% 10mlKg-1 bodyweight (control group), NaF 1mgKg-1 bodyweight (low-fluoride group, LF), 10mgKg-1 bodyweight (mid-fluoride group, MF), 50mgKg-1 bodyweight (high-fluoride group, HF) separately. After delivery, mice were fed by normal food and water, and their offspring were breastfeeding for two weeks. And then all mice were executed. The acid resistance abilities of the offspring were measured by comparing the image changes of teeth and differences of calcium, phosphor concentrations in the lactic acid before and after acid reaction. The image changes are observed by Motic SMZ-168 microscope. Results: 1、The amount of the dissolved calcium and phosphate of teeth from LF and MF are less than that from the control group, and the differences between LF, MF and control group are statistical significance (P＜0.05). However, statistically significant difference of acid resist ability was not found between control group and HF. 2、The image changes before and after acid reactions are statistical significance between control group and LF, MF. But there are no significant statistical differences between control group and HF. Conclusion: The present study suggested: ①the pregnant mouse who took low or moderate fluoride may increase the acid resistance of the teeth of its offspring. ②While the pregnant who took high fluoride cannot have this benefit. Based on the above findings, optimal prenatal fluoride supplementation may be good to acid resistance for the teeth. So it is possible for offspring to prevent dental caries by fluoride intake during maternal pregnancy.