Fluoride
comes with many health benefits but consuming it in excess leads to many side
effects.
It is a mineral
in our
bones and teeth that is also present in, water, soil, rocks, plants and air.
What
are the benefits of fluoride?
Fluoride is
a powerhouse mineral that is beneficial to your teeth in the following ways:
- It rebuilds (remineralizes) weakened
tooth enamel
- It reduces early symptoms of tooth
decay by 20 to 40%
- It slows down mineral loss from
tooth enamel
- It
protects your teeth against cavities
- It prevents harmful bacteria from
growing in your mouth
- It
saves you money on dental treatment
- It
is safe and effective
- It is basically natural though there is synthetic fluoride today
Are there any
potential side effects from fluoride intake?
Yes, quite
a number of them! Having too much of a good thing leads to sides effects and
that also applies to fluoride consumption. So, you need to strike the right
balance to avoid the following side effects of ingesting too much fluoride:
Thyroid problems
Overdose intake of fluorides can damage your thyroid gland and make the
production of parathyroid hormones uncontrolled. This condition is referred to as
hyperparathyroidism. The condition depletes calcium levels in bones, thus
leading to abnormal calcium concentrations in the blood.
Bone Fragility
Taking more fluoride than recommended has been found to result in skeletal fluorosis, a rare condition. This disease involves developing fragile bones and joint stiffness which can heighten the risk of bone fractures and also osteoporosis and muscle wasting.
Acute Fluoride
Toxicity
Fluoride
overdose which causes this side effect is uncommon because it involves consuming
a rarely high concentration of fluoride in water, mouthwash or toothpaste. Acute
fluoride toxicity can cause nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting. In
certain cases, it can be life-threatening, especially in young children.
Tooth Discoloration
If you consume
foods, water or use oral cleaning products with fluoride overdose, it can cause
your teeth to look yellowish or brownish. This happens more quickly to young children’s
teeth.
Tooth Decay
Taking high amounts of fluoridated water can weaken the enamel of your teeth and cause them to decay.
Skeletal fluorosis
Skeletal
fluorosis is a disease that attacks the bones of people who are exposed to very
high levels of fluoride. The disease stiffens or hardens bones, reducing their elasticity
and heightening the risk of getting fractures. Skeletal fluorosis can also
cause joint mobility impairment because of the resulting bone tissue thickening
and accumulation.
Neurological problems
Children born after they had been exposed to high fluoride levels in the womb
can have poor cognitive abilities. According to a report
published in 2017, high fluoride levels are linked to low scores on IQ
tests.
Also, being
a documented neurotoxin, fluoride can hamper a child’s growth and development.
As with all other substances, excess intake or exposure to fluoride can be harmful in multiple ways. Before you use any fluoride supplements, consult a dentist.
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