[Bottled beverages as additional sources of exposure to fluoride].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and to report the concentration of floride in soft drinks and juices consumed in San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico, and its implications as a risk factor for developing dental fluorosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The contents of some products from 2 main national companies and 2 other local companies were studied. The samples were collected from 10 different batches in the case of the soft drinks, and from 5 batches in the case of the juices, with 3 samples per batch, during 3 months. The ion selective electrode method was used to determine the concentration of fluoride.

RESULTS

Soft drinks from 2 main national companies showed high fluoride concentrations that were statistically significant between groups (p < 0.05). Fluoride levels of products from local and national companies also showed differences that were statistically significant between groups (p < 0.05). All natural juices tested showed high fluoride concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Most soft drinks and juices consumed in SLP had high fluoride levels above Mexican regulations (0.7 ppm) and could be a substantial risk factor for developing dental fluorosis.