Risks and Benefits of Fluoride Explored
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water, soil, and food products. Ingested fluoride gets deposited in the bone. During the normal bone rebuilding process, the substance is released into the bloodstream and then into the saliva where it acts on the toot surfaces.
Fluoride toothpaste also increases the availability of fluoride for the teeth. While fluoride plays a vital role in oral health, it’s important to avoid ingesting too much mineral.
So, what is the safe amount of fluoride in the body? You will know the answer in this article.
What is the Safe Fluoride Amount
Dr. Steven Levy, a renowned fluoride researcher, has recommended that the safe level of fluoride is around 0.05 to 0.07 milligrams per kg of weight per day.
However, there is no accurate way to calculate the amount of fluoride each day. This is because fluoride is present in varying amount in different types of food.
Food items that contain high fluoride content include dry infant cereals, teas, processed chicken, and seafood items. The US Public Health Service (PHS) has recommended about 0.7 mg/L fluoride in water for the best protection of teeth while at the same time limiting the dental fluorosis risk.
Children less than 8 years are especially perceptible to fluorosis due to excess fluoride intake. Their teeth are sensitive and get damage due to excess fluoride. The main fluorosis risk factors for children include infant formula papered with fluoridated water, supplements, and toothpaste or powder.
Adults should especially make sure that children should not take more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for brushing. This is important to avoid children ingesting too much fluoride.
Side Effects of Too Much Fluoride
Ingesting too much fluoride during early childhood can lead to dental fluorosis. The condition prevents enamel to crystallize properly. This may lead to staining and brittleness of permanent teeth. Children between the ages of 0 and 8 years are particularly at risk of developing dental fluorosis since permanent teeth start to form during this period.
There are also many other health effects in both children and adults of excess fluoride intake. Fluoride is mainly eliminated through renal excretion. Excess exposure of fluoride to kidney cells leads to damage to the kidneys. Moreover, individuals can experience gastrointestinal side effects due to excess injection of fluoride. Higher concentration of fluoride in the stomach can damage the mucosal lining leading to an ulcer.
Some studies have also suggested that high intake of fluoride during pregnancy resulted in harm to the fetal brain.
Last Thoughts
Fluorides are an essential mineral required for oral health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste is essential.
At the same time, it’s important to limit the intake of fluoride. Too much fluoride in the body can lead to various health effects such as dental fluorosis, kidney toxicity, and gastrointestinal side effects. To avoid overexposure to fluoride, you should limit intake of high fluoride containing food items.
For more information about your dental health, or if you have any questions about the use of fluoride give Smile Brightly Dental a call. We can be reached at 586-573-7700 and hope to hear from you soon!