A map of natural fluoride in drinking water in Pakistan.

Aim: The assessment of fluoride levels in domestic water supplies in Pakistan.

Method: Water samples were collected from sources supplying the majority of the population: taps in places where piped water supply was available, tube-wells, boreholes and wells in rural areas, and stream water where appropriate.

Results: Analysis of 987 water supplies showed that they are predominantly low in fluoride content, 84% containing less than 0.7ppm of fluoride.

Conclusion: For the majority of the population in Pakistan there is a clear indication for use of alternate sources of fluoride to ensure optimal intake necessary for the control of dental caries.