The measurement of urine fluoride is a diagnostic test used to determine the concentration of fluoride in urine. This test is valuable in assessing a person's exposure to fluoride, monitoring fluoride levels, and evaluating the effectiveness of fluoride treatments.
The primary purpose of this test is to assess an individual's exposure to fluoride, especially in cases where there may be concerns about excessive or insufficient fluoride intake. This can be important for evaluating dental and bone health.
Urine fluoride levels are often used in dental research and clinical settings to assess the effectiveness of community water fluoridation programs or fluoride supplementation in individuals. It helps determine if fluoride levels are within the recommended range for dental health.
In cases of excessive fluoride intake, whether through drinking water or other sources, high urine fluoride levels can indicate the risk of dental fluorosis (a cosmetic issue affecting tooth enamel) or skeletal fluorosis (a condition affecting bones).