A scanning electron microscopy study of approximal premolar surfaces from fifteen year old children living in a fluoridated community.

The aim of the present study was to examine approximal enamel surfaces in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thirty premolars developed and erupted in an 'optimally' fluoridated (1 ppm) community had clinical indications of dental fluorosis and early signs of dental caries corresponding to the approximal contact area. The SEM-examination disclosed a spectrum of posteruptive changes ranging from isolated surface fractures to carious dissolution, abrasion and calcified microbial deposits. Conclusively, we found that teeth developed and erupted in areas with fluoridated water undergo similar posteruptive alterations due to prevailing environmental conditions as reported in teeth from low fluoride areas.