An evaluation of level of Fluoride in Shiraz Drinking water during the spring of 2009

The level of fluoride in drinking water has always been an issue of concern in dentistry. Too much water fluoridation can result in undesirable conditions such a dental flourosis and low levels of intelligence, whereas too little fluoride can lead to dental caries and increased DMFT. The purpose of this study was to deference the level of fluoride in Shiraz drinking water in the spring of 2009. This descriptive research was performed on 36 water samples of all drinking water sources in the city of Shiraz. The sampling process was conducted at nearest home surrounding each source. All obtained water samples were delivered to quality control laboratories at Islamic Azad University, dental branch, Tehran. The level of fluoride in each sample was determined using potentiometer method and the desired fluoride level at specific temperature for the source was calculated using the formula (f=0.34/E, E=- 0.039+0.0062). The samples were then classified into three categories of deficient, efficient and over efficient according to latest WHO standards. This study was performed on 36 samples. The total volume of shiraz water source was two hundred twenty six thousand and two hundred cubic meters and the total amount of fluoride in shiraz drinking water was 0.35±0.15 ppm. The amount of fluoride in 100 % of the total drinking water was less than standardized level. The amount of fluoride in shiraz drinking water is significantly lower than the standard level.