Concentration of Fluoride in Drinking Water Samples from Three Rural Villages in the Millennium Villages Project

Introduction: Fluoride, a naturally occurring element in land and water, when used appropriately greatly reduces the risk of dental caries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level in drinking water is 1.5mg/l. Sub-Saharan Africa has had reported naturally occurring fluoride as high as 11.6mg/l.

Methods: The Millennium Villages Project (MVP) applies agriculture, economic development, education, infrastructure, health and nutrition interventions, at the village level, to transition Sub-Saharan Africa from extreme poverty. Drinking water samples were taken from three MVP villages- Koraro, Ethiopia, Potou, Senegal and Mbola, Tanzania. Samples were collected, each in clean and dry, plastic bottle (60 ml) with a screw cap. The location, source (well, spring, river stream), and date of collection were recorded. Samples were analyzed in the USA for fluoride and other mineral content. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Columbia University.

Results: The mean fluoride concentration in the villages of Senegal, Tanzania, and Ethiopia were .094mg/L, .22mg/L, and .65 mg/ L (±.57) respectively; with Koraro, Ethiopia showing widest range of variation. Selected test parameters, namely sodium, were notably elevated in Potou, Senegal.

Conclusion: In many communities where dentifrice is not commonly used the primary source of fluoride is drinking water. Few of our samples were within a range for therapeutic effect of ingested fluorides. Our findings varied but were generally inadequate for dental caries prevention. Thus, the MVP should consider topical fluoride modalities in low cost community-based oral health programs in comprehensive plan to improve the general health of the community.