Josie Swan

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• Urinary fluoride excretion for monitoring fluoride exposure in humans: a systematic scoping review

Studies have shown that low levels of fluoride in the oral cavity is most useful for dental decay prevention, however excessive ingestion of fluoride can increase the risk of the development of dental fluorosis (mottling and discolouration of the teeth) and at a very high dose, skeletal fluorosis. It has been reported that the major sources of fluoride intake include artificial- or naturally fluoridated water; food and drinks prepared with such water; dietary supplements, e.g. fluoride tablets and with inadvertent ingestion of fluoridated toothpastes, providing an additional source of systemic exposure to fluorides.
Urine is the primary route of fluoride removal from the body, however there is currently no clear understanding of types and validity of methods used in research studies associated with urinary fluoride excretion. A scoping review mapping the evidence, and guiding the development of precise methodologies for future fluoride monitoring studies needs to be carried out.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Ruth Valentine