Plasma and developing enamel fluoride concentrations during chronic acid-base disturbances.

Mild acid-base disturbances were induced in rats for 30 days. These disturbances did not affect % ash of maxillary incisors or % P of the developing enamel from mandibular incisors. Total fluoride intake (food and water) among groups drinking fluoride-free water was constant. Nevertheless, average plasma and developing enamel fluroide concentrations were highest in the acidotic group and lowest in the alkalotic group. Among groups drinking water containing 50 ppm fluoride, total fluoride intake was highest by the alkalotic group and lowest by the acidotic group. Plasma and enamel fluoride concentrations, however, were highest in the acidotic group. It is concluded that plasma and developing enamel fluoride levels can be independent of, or inversely related to, fluoride intake.