Fluoride contents of some Nigerian dentifrices.

To analyze the fluoride content of different brands of toothpastes and powders commercially available in Nigerian markets, to compare the claims of the manufacturers with the objectively obtained results of the analysis and to make recommendations to the Regulatory Agencies based on the results of analysis. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were used to measure the concentration of fluoride in randomly selected samples using fluoride ion selective electrode. Of the twelve samples analyzed, two toothpastes were purchased at Newcastle. Ten samples (eight toothpastes and two powders) were brought over from Nigeria. Three of the twelve were found to be deficient in the quantity of fluoride contained. All the deficient three samples found wanting were from Nigeria--a thirty per cent (30%) of the Nigerian samples. The importance of fluoride in caries prevention has been well documented and appreciated as public health measure. All efforts geared towards making fluoride available to the public especially through the dentifrices should be encouraged and guarded against mercantilism and abuse. To this end, the Nigerian Dental Association and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should increase their surveillance over the quality of the products marketed.