Is it possible to get too much fluoride
It is only likely to happen in cases of accidental contamination of drinking water, due, for example to an industrial fire or explosion. It is worth remembering that many substances are harmful in large quantities but helpful in small amounts.
Fluoride is added to many dental products. Some geographical areas have drinking water that is naturally high in fluoride , for example, southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and Africa. Flouride has been linked to a reduction in tooth decay. Fluoride is present in natural water. Adding fluoride, says the ADA, is like fortifying milk with vitamin D , orange juice with calcium, or cereals with B vitamins and folic acid. A Cochrane review published in found that when fluoride was introduced to water:.
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by:. Protection from demineralization : When bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars, they produce acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel and damage our teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that is caused by the acid.
Remineralization : If acid has already caused some damage to the teeth, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel. This is remineralization. Everyone can benefit from added dental protection, but those who can benefit particularly are people who:.
Most public health authorities and medical associations worldwide recommend that children and adults receive some fluoride, to protect their teeth from decay. Small amounts of fluoride are unlikely to be dangerous. Here are some facts supporting the use of fluoride:. In , German researchers reported that tooth decay fell in cities where fluoride ceased to be added to the water. However, they called for further investigation into the reasons for this decline, which they said could be due to improved attitudes toward dental health and easier access to dental health products, compared with the years before fluoride was added.
They suggested that their findings might support the argument that caries can continue to fall if the concentration of fluoride is reduced from 1 part per million ppm to below 0. The previous figure, in force from to , was 0. In , it was revised to the lower limit. It sets the maximum allowable level at 4 ppm , and a secondary maximum level at 2 ppm.
Children who consume a typical diet, drink fluoridated water, and use fluoridated dental products properly will get the fluoride they need for healthy teeth.
Since there are many possible causes of changes in the appearance of the teeth, you may want to see a dental professional to have the teeth checked for fluorosis or other issues. Make sure kids use dental products as recommended.
Make sure your child drinks water with fluoride. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. This publication has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The authors and contributors are expert authorities in the field of pediatrics. No commercial involvement of any kind has been solicited or accepted in the development of the content of this publication.
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Larger enamel crystals make the teeth less susceptible to tooth decay. Whereas low fluoride doses strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, it is important to note that excessive fluoride levels can cause health issues such as fluorosis. Dental fluorosis causes discoloration of the teeth, the formation of white marks on the teeth, a mottled enamel, and low mineralization.
Fluorosis develops mostly in young children when they are exposed to too much fluoride. Care should, therefore, be exercised by parents and caregivers to minimize the dangers of fluoride.
Skeletal fluorosis Skeletal fluorosis is a disease of the bones caused by exposure to very high levels of fluoride. This disease hardens bones and reduces their elasticity, thus heightening the risk of getting fractures. The disease can also cause impairment of joint mobility due to the thickening and accumulation of bone tissue. Thyroid problems Exposure to a lot of fluorides can damage the thyroid gland, resulting in the uncontrolled production of parathyroid hormones.
This condition is known as hyperparathyroidism. The condition depletes calcium levels in bones and causes abnormal calcium concentrations in the blood. Neurological problems Exposure to high fluoride levels before birth is associated with poor cognitive abilities in children. A report published in indicated that high fluoride levels were linked to low scores in IQ tests.
Fluorosis treatment Fluorosis can be a source of discomfort or anxiety among many people. These include:.