Fluoride in diet

Alternative names:

diet and fluoride

Definition:

Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride, found primarily in the bones and teeth.

Functions:

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridation of water supplies helped reduce dental caries in children by 50 to 60%. Fluorides are also involved in the maintenance of bone structure. The fluoride salts of calcium are not rapidly lost from the bones during menopause or a period of immobility.