The Inhibition of Approximal Caries in Adults with Lifelong Fluoride Exposure

Abstract

Smooth surface approximal caries was studied in 183 residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado, aged 25-34 years, with lifelong exposure to a domestic water containing about 2.5 ppm. of fluorides. Findings were compared with those for 68 similar natives of Boulder, Colorado, who had always used a fluoride-free water. The apparent inhibition of dental caries was not related to the basic susceptibility of the approximal area, but rather was systematically diminished in degree from the anterior toward the posterior of the mouth.