Abstract
The distribution of fluoride in human dental calculus was investigated using a mechanical sampling technique and the fluoride electrode. The fluoride concentrations were highest at the outer surface of dental calculus and, then fell to a plateau for the interior of the calculus, rising again as the tooth surface was approached. The coefficient of variation of fluoride concentration was significantly greater in the sub- than in the supragingival calculus (p < 0.01). The supragingival calculus thus tended to show a smoother distribution profile for fluoride than the subgingival calculus. Total fluoride, average fluoride, and maximum fluoride concentrations were not significantly different in supra-and subgingival calculus. No significant different were observed between males and females.