How much Fluoride is in there? Tobi Maser Quantitative Analysis December 7, 1999

1st toothpaste to be cleared by the FDA Very effective against cavities, plaque and gingivitis dental experts say, “it is the most significant advancement since the introduction of FLUORIDE” ingredients: FLOURIDE and antibacterial ingredient Triclosan

Facts about Fluoride Obtained in 2 forms: topical and systematic Topical: strengthens teeth already in the mouth, provides protection on the tooth surface (toothpaste, mouthrinses, gels) Systematic: ingested in the body and become incorporated in forming tooth structures (water, certain foods, dietary fluoride supplements)

The Harms of Fluoride Fluoride is a carcinogenFluoride is a carcinogen Fluoride increases Hip FracturesFluoride increases Hip Fractures Fluoride increases infertilityFluoride increases infertility Fluoride increases fluorosis (spots and discoloring of teeth)Fluoride increases fluorosis (spots and discoloring of teeth)

Prevention of tooth decay with Fluoride Reduces solubility of enamel in acid exerts an influence directly on dental plaque promotes remineralization of tooth enamel in areas that have been demineralized by acids

What type of experiment was performed? Following a procedure done by Truman S. Light and Carleton C. Cappuccino Determine the amount of fluoride in toothpaste by using an ion-selective electrode Type of electrode: Fluoride Ion-Selective Electrode

So here’s what I did... Made TISAB with Sodium Chloride, Acetate Acid, Sodium Acetate, and Sodium Citrate In 100mL volumetric flasks, made various stock solutions of fluoride by using the TISAB 100mL volumetric flask put 0.4g toothpaste and 50mL TISAB and boiled 2minutes Filled the rest of flask with distilled water Used ion selective electrode and measured mV of all the solutions

Results for Colgate Total: The toothpaste has a value x= and y=

So how much was really in there? My calculations showed that there was 0.345% Fluoride in Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Colgate Total Fresh Stripe truly contains 0.24% Sodium Fluoride which is translated into 1,100ppm of Fluoride (0.14%)

What problems could have occurred... The ion selective electrode may have misread the millivolts I did not make enough stock solutions to get an accurate x value for the toothpaste I did not just isolate the fluoride, maybe sodium was still there

Changes Made Tested a couple of brands of toothpaste Made more stock solutions to get a better trend line Used a different ion electrode if it happened to be available (Orion Model 94-09) instead of Lab Works Instrument

In conclusion… Fluoride in toothpaste is very small Water fluoridation is becoming more popular and more of an issue Too much fluoride intake can be harmful Fluoride is necessary to strengthen bones, especially teeth, therefore, it can not be eliminated from one’s diet completely

REFERENCES Light, Truman, and Carleton Cappuccino, “Determination of Fluoride in Toothpaste Using an Ion-Selective Electrode”