Fluoride

Though controversial, it is thought that fluoride reduces the incidence of tooth decay in both children and adults.¹ One of the best sources of fluoride remains fluoridated water. Topical application to the teeth is less effective than fluoride working from inside the body.

There is some controversy over fluoride's role in bone health. Some studies show that optimum fluoride intake strengthens bones while other studies indicate that high levels of the mineral increases the risk of hairline bone fractures.² Contradicting some previous studies, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found long-term fluoride and calcium supplementation reduces fractures and increases bone mass without negative side effects like microfractures.³ The National Research Council Committee for Recommended Dietary Allowances does not include fluoride in its list of essential minerals.

• Apples
• Calves' liver
• Cod
• Eggs
• Kidneys
• Salmon, canned
• Sardines, canned
• Tea

Available as:

• Tablets: Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Drops: Dilute in at least 1/2 glass of water or other liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not take with milk or dairy products.
• Rinses: Follow directions, and use just before bedtime, after proper brushing and flossing.
• Gels: Follow directions, and use just before bedtime, after proper brushing and flossing.
• Paste: Follow directions, and use just before bedtime, after proper brushing and flossing. l Fluoride is available commercially as sodium fluoride.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Prevents dental caries (cavities) in children when level of fluoride in water is inadequate.
• Treats osteoporosis with calcium and vitamin D, but use must be carefully monitored by a physician.

What this mineral does:

• Improves tooth resistance to acids.
• Interferes with growth and development of bacteria that cause dental plaque.

SPECULATED UNPROVED BENEFITS:

• Prevents osteoporosis in older people.
• Prevents the most common cause of hearing loss in the elderly by recalcifying the ear's inner bone structure.¹

• People living in an area with low fluoride water content. Check with your doctor, dentist or local health department.

Miscellaneous information:

• Taking fluoride does not remove need for good dental habits, including a good diet, brushing and flossing teeth and regular dental visits.
• If fluoride supplementation is needed in your area, continue until child is 16. Subsequent topical applications every year or two may be continued to prevent caries.
• Claims that persons residing in areas with fluoridated water supplies have a higher incidence of cancer have been refuted by the National Cancer Institute.

• Significant increase in dental caries

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Softening of bones in post-menopausal women

Optimal Levels

• 2-3 mg.

Minimum Dosage

Don't take if:

• Sodium intake is restricted or fluoride intake from drinking water exceeds 0.7 parts fluoride/million. Too much fluoride stains teeth permanently.
• You have underactive thyroid function.
• Consult your doctor if you have:
• Osteoporosis.

Over age 55:

• No problems expected.

Pregnancy:

• Reports do not agree regarding benefit and risk to unborn child. Follow doctor's instructions.
• Don't take megadoses.

Breast feeding:

• No problems expected.
• Don't take megadoses.

Effect on lab tests:

• Serum acid phosphatase, serum calcium and protein-bound iodine may be falsely decreased.
• Serum aspartase aminotranfererase (SGOT) may be falsely increased.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze. Keep in original plastic container. Fluoride decomposes glass.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

Other:

• High dosage needed to treat osteoporosis leads to likelihood of toxic effects, including increased number of bone fractures.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

• Stomach cramps or pain, faintness, vomiting (possibly bloody), diarrhea, black stools, shallow breathing, tremors, increased saliva, unusual excitement.

What to do:

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF FLUORIDE CAN CAUSE:

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

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