Fluoride: Uses, Effects and Controversies
Fluoride is a plentiful, naturally occurring component, which can also be created in a laboratory. Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and other minerals. Synthesized fluoride is commonly added to drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes and other chemicals. While fluoride generally has positive effects, as with anything, moderation is key. Too much fluoride can result in tooth and even bone damage. There is also growing controversy about the amount of fluoride that is added to public water supplies and if it is beneficial. In this article, we will discuss further to get a better understanding of fluoride, why it is added to drinking water, its effects, and controversies. In …show more content…
Excess fluoride exposure can occur in the following ways: public water fluoridation, high concentration of fluoride in natural fresh water, fluoridated mouthwash, inappropriate use of fluoride supplements, some foods and untested bottled water. Dental fluorosis is caused by excess exposure to fluoride particularly during tooth development. In mild cases, it can result in tiny white streaks or specks in the enamel of the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth will have more evident discoloration and brown markings, as well as pitting and rough gouges in the enamel that may be difficult to clean. Skeletal fluorosis is a bone disease caused by high levels of fluoride in the body. In severe cases, there is bone, joint damage, as well as a higher risk of bone fractures. Low fluoride levels benefit human health by protecting the teeth, but high concentrations can lead to serious disease, such as skeletal fluorosis which has devastated some communities. High concentrations of fluoride occur in several parts of the world, including southern Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Africa. In some arid parts of Africa where fluoride levels in water are high, there are no alternative sources of water
Fluoride is a plentiful, naturally occurring component, which can also be created in a laboratory. Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and other minerals. Synthesized fluoride is commonly added to drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes and other chemicals. While fluoride generally has positive effects, as with anything, moderation is key. Too much fluoride can result in tooth and even bone damage. There is also growing controversy about the amount of fluoride that is added to public water supplies and if it is beneficial. In this article, we will discuss further to get a better understanding of fluoride, why it is added to drinking water, its effects, and controversies. In …show more content…
Excess fluoride exposure can occur in the following ways: public water fluoridation, high concentration of fluoride in natural fresh water, fluoridated mouthwash, inappropriate use of fluoride supplements, some foods and untested bottled water. Dental fluorosis is caused by excess exposure to fluoride particularly during tooth development. In mild cases, it can result in tiny white streaks or specks in the enamel of the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth will have more evident discoloration and brown markings, as well as pitting and rough gouges in the enamel that may be difficult to clean. Skeletal fluorosis is a bone disease caused by high levels of fluoride in the body. In severe cases, there is bone, joint damage, as well as a higher risk of bone fractures. Low fluoride levels benefit human health by protecting the teeth, but high concentrations can lead to serious disease, such as skeletal fluorosis which has devastated some communities. High concentrations of fluoride occur in several parts of the world, including southern Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Africa. In some arid parts of Africa where fluoride levels in water are high, there are no alternative sources of water