Fluoride comes from fluorine, an element that occurs naturally in water, soil, and many foods. Fluoride is also synthetically manufactured for use in drinking water, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. Fluoride is an essential mineral in your teeth and bones. It is the best fighter of cavities in your teeth that helps maintain good teeth health. Fluoride also repairs decaying teeth while at the early stages.
Fluoride found in toothpaste is absorbed by the teeth during brushing. The presence of fluoride protects teeth from acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When incorporated in the teeth, fluoride hardens the enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride reverses the effects of demineralization by depositing minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in damaged areas of the tooth hence stopping the decay. This process is called remineralization. The application of topical fluoride increases the rate at which the enamel grows on teeth and increases enamel crystals size. Large enamel crystals make the teeth less susceptible to tooth decay.
Whereas low fluoride levels strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, it is good to note that high levels of fluoride can cause health issues such as fluorosis. Fluorosis causes discoloration of the teeth, the formation of white marks on the teeth or lines that are mostly opaque, a mottled enamel, and low mineralization. Fluorosis develops mostly in young children of up to nine years when exposed to too much fluoride. During this critical age of teeth formation, children are more susceptible to fluorosis. Care should, therefore, be exercised by parents and caregivers to minimize fluoride dangers.
Health complications associated with fluorosis include:
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 2017 indicated that high fluoride levels were linked to low scores in IQ tests. Fluoride is also one of the documented neurotoxins, which means it can be a danger in a child’s growth and development.
Fluorosis treatment
Fluorosis can be a source of discomfort or anxiety among many people. However, you need not worry because there are several treatment options. These include:
Removal of stains through tooth whitening can be done using homemade remedies or using teeth whitening products available in the market.
Bonding. Entails addition of a hard resin coating to the tooth which bonds with the enamel
Use of Dental veneers. These are tooth-colored shells that are usually attached to the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance.
Dental crowns. They are caps that are made to cover damaged teeth.
Prevention of fluorosis
Like many other diseases, fluorosis is preventable if care is taken to ensure the right amounts of fluoride. Parents need to ensure that children do not swallow toothpaste while brushing since swallowed toothpaste contributes to a Childs fluoride intake. It is also prudent that parents ensure children use age-appropriate toothpaste.
Dietary supplements can also be used for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. However, this can only be done upon prescription by a doctor. These supplements are given to children living in non fluoridated water areas to reduce the risks of getting tooth decay.
Ensuring acceptable fluoride levels in your drinking water is another way of reducing fluoride dangers, especially if you have young children. People who use private water wells are advised to have their water tested at least once a year to ascertain fluoride levels. The recommended fluoride levels for dental health are 0.7 parts of fluoride per million parts of water.
Other fluoride related health issues
Skin complications, such as acne. Acne a skin inflammation that mostly occurs during puberty, causing pimples and scars on the face, neck, back, shoulders, chest, and the upper arms. Though it is not dangerous, it leaves scars on the skin.
Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure arterial calcification and heart failure; high blood pressure damages blood vessels and may cause heart failure, which is fatal.
Thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate body metabolisms. Deficiency of nutrients such as calcium can cause a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism and goiter conditions.
Bone associated conditions like osteoporosis render the bones weak and fragile, making them prone to fractures.
In extreme cases such as may occur due to accidental contamination of drinking water, fluoride can cause abdominal pains, production of excess saliva in the mouth, muscle spasms, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
The long and short of it is that fluoride is an essential element in the body but can also be dangerous. What is essential, therefore, is striking the right balance of the pros and cons.