Changes in the Teeth and Jaws of Neonatal Webster Mice After Administration of Naf aNd CaF2 to the Female Parent During Gestation

Abstract

Administration of NaF and CaF2 orally or by injections, to female Webster mice during gestation caused alterations in development of jaws and teeth of their neonatal offspring. Female parents received 3-4 cc daily of a 20 ppm solution via drinking water or 0.1 cc of a 1,000 ppm solution by injections. Retardation of calcification of bone in the jaws and alteration of cell structure in amelo-blasts with delay in enamel matrix maturation were observed. There was also bridging of the dentin matrix with cartilaginous formations in the dental pulp. CaF2 seemed more toxic than NaF by injection or by oral administration. Approximately 600-700 [mu]g of CaF2 and 1,000-1,200 [mu]g of NaF were tolerated during the latter part of gestation without causing resorption of fetuses or still births. Amounts of excess caused these phenomena. There was alteration of pulpal blood vessels in new born animals with slight hemorrhaging in this area as well as in tissues surrounding the teeth. These observations support previous findings with certain concentrations of fluorides and tooth germ transplants.