Fluoride Restriction

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Since its introduction in 1945 to community water sources, fluoridation has been advocated as “one of the top ten health achievements of the 20th century” by various organizations concerned with the safety and health of the population (blomberg, CDC). Due to its cariostatic effect on teeth and lack of restriction based on socioeconomic class or access to care, community water fluoridation is currently implemented in 39 countries around the world (O’Malley). However, as time passes, controversial questions have begun to emerge regarding the adverse effects associated with chronic fluoride intake in both children and adults, and whether this should restrict its use in these countries (fluoride). Therefore, the aim of this literature review …show more content…

Due to its minute concentration found in drinking water, acute toxicity is extremely uncommon. Lethal doses have been defined as 5-15 mg/kg in children and 32-64 mg/kg in adults and are more common with additional oral fluoride supplementation, such as; toothpaste, mouth rinses, and varnish (Walker, CDC). Chronic toxicity is slightly more common, affecting multiple systems of the body (walker). Symptoms of the gastrointestinal system include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysphagia, abdominal pain, neurologic system with headaches, tremors, titanic contractions, seizures, and cardiovascular system with widening of QRS, QTc prolongation, arrhythmias, and shock (Shin – …show more content…

At the concentration of 1 ppm, it has the ability to cause improper mineralization of ligaments and tendons (walker). This mineralization causes hardened structures to form, thus decreasing tissue elasticity and significantly increasing the risk of hip fractures in both men and women (Walker). At an intake of 10 mg/day, a more serious disorder of the bone, termed skeletal fluorosis, can be seen (fluoride). It is a disorder seen in multiple stages, from slight increase in bone mass to calcification of ligaments, osteosclerosis, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and neurological defects from hypercalcification of the vertebrae

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