Quantitative analysis of odontoblast cells in fluorotic and nonfluorotic primary tooth pulp

Aim: To determine the effect of fluoride ingested during the development period on the number of odontoblast cells using stereological methods. Materials and methods: A total of 56 freshly extracted primary first and second molar teeth were used, obtained from children (aged between 9 and 11 years) requiring dental extractions for clinical reasons. Following histological procedures, longitudinal tooth sections, 25 μm thick, were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The total number of odontoblast cells was estimated using the optical fractionator method with a stereological workstation. All of the data were expressed as means ± standard deviations for each group, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS soft ware. Results: The mean number of odontoblast cells in fluorotic second molar teeth was significantly lower compared to nonfl uorotic teeth in the maxillary jaw. Furthermore, a statistically signifi cant difference was found in the mandibular jaw, and the mean number of odontoblast cells in fluorotic second molar teeth was significantly lower than in the nonfl uorotic group. Conclusion: Fluoride was found to decrease the number of odontoblast cells in fluorotic teeth, and this fi nding indicates that fluoride could affect the mechanism of pulpal recovery following operative procedures as a result of fewer odontoblast cells.