IADR Abstract Archives
Content of Cariostatic Trace Elements (F, Cu and Zn) in the Commercially Packaged and Public Tap Waters of Qatar
Objectives: Drinking water containing cariostatic trace elements is an attractive caries prevention approach. The aim of this study was to estimate the concentrations of cariostatic elements in commercial and public tap water available in the State of Qatar.
Methods: A in-vitro study was done to evaluate fluoride (F), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in 20 commercial water brands and 6 public tap water sources. Ion chromatography (IC) was used to measure the F concentration, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used to measure Cu and Zn concentrations. The commercial and public water cariostatic element analysis was done separately in the summer and winter months to assess any seasonal fluctuation.
Results: The labelled F content, of nine of the fourteen commercial brands were shown to be accurate( <0.1 µg/L). F content of all commercial and public water samples were below the 0.25 µg/L detection limit of the IC. Commercial water brands had Cu and Zn levels below the ICP-MS detection limits (1.22 µg/L for Cu and 0.24 µg/L for Zn). Cu levels in the public water sample ranged from <1.22 µg/L to 11µg/L while Zn levels in the public water samples ranged from 4 µg/L to 40 µg/L.
Conclusions: This study highlights the low cariostatic elements content in drinking water. Water fluoridation of drinking water in the State of Qatar can help reduce the high prevalence of dental caries.
Methods: A in-vitro study was done to evaluate fluoride (F), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in 20 commercial water brands and 6 public tap water sources. Ion chromatography (IC) was used to measure the F concentration, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used to measure Cu and Zn concentrations. The commercial and public water cariostatic element analysis was done separately in the summer and winter months to assess any seasonal fluctuation.
Results: The labelled F content, of nine of the fourteen commercial brands were shown to be accurate( <0.1 µg/L). F content of all commercial and public water samples were below the 0.25 µg/L detection limit of the IC. Commercial water brands had Cu and Zn levels below the ICP-MS detection limits (1.22 µg/L for Cu and 0.24 µg/L for Zn). Cu levels in the public water sample ranged from <1.22 µg/L to 11µg/L while Zn levels in the public water samples ranged from 4 µg/L to 40 µg/L.
Conclusions: This study highlights the low cariostatic elements content in drinking water. Water fluoridation of drinking water in the State of Qatar can help reduce the high prevalence of dental caries.