Content of cariostatic trace elements (F, Cu, and Zn) in the commercially packaged and public tap waters of Qatar.

Objectives: Drinking water containing optimal levels of cariostatic trace elements is an effective preventive approach against community-wide dental caries. This study aimed to (i) determine the concentrations of fluoride, copper, and zinc in commercially packaged and public tap water available in Qatar, (ii) assess the accuracy of the content of these cariostatic trace elements on commercial water brand labels, and (iii) check for seasonal fluctuations in the levels of these trace elements in commercial and public water samples.

Methods: Duplicate samples from 20 commercial and six public tap water sources were collected once in the summer and winter seasons.