ABSTRACT
Abstract in Thai
ABSTRACT
Fluoride concentration in drinking water is necessary for bone and tooth formation. This fluoride concentrationsurvey from all sources of drinking water was conducted between August to October, 2008. At least 2 villages ofeach sub-district were recruited non-purposively. An ion selective electrode was used for fluoride concentrationcalculation. People living in Phitsanulok consumed 5 sources of drinking water including ponds, wells, taps, rain,and bottled water. The results showed that fluoride concentrations ranged from less than 0.01 ppm to 1.55 ppm.Samples of drinking water from a total of 10 sub-districts located in 2 districts, Bangragum and Wangthong, werefound to contain fluoride higher than 0.7 ppm. Mean fluoride concentrations were highest in tap and then wellwater and lowest in rain. In higher than standard fluoride concentration areas, changing of the source of drinkingwater should be instructed. On the other hand, in low fluoride concentrations areas, preventive measures againstdental caries such as brushing after meals, pit and fissure sealants, or fluoride supplementation should beimplemented.