Fluoride in diet

Alternative names:

diet and fluoride

Side effects:

Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased incidence of dental caries and unstable bones and teeth.

Toxicity in the form of chronic dental fluorosis occurs when there is high amount of fluoride in the drinking water. The tooth enamel becomes dull and unglazed with some pitting (mottled enamel). At very high concentrations (over 2.5 parts per million) dark, brown stains appear on the teeth. Although unsightly, these teeth rarely have any dental caries.

Fluoride intake of 20 to 80 milligrams over a period of many years can cause skeletal fluorosis, which causes the bones to be chalky and brittle.