What are fluoride’s main drawbacks?

    Last Updated: December 12, 2023

    Excessive intake of fluoride (>5-6 mg/daily) can be toxic, and most commonly presents as dental fluorosis (mottled enamel with white/brown spots and pitting). Higher daily doses (10-25 mg/day) of fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis, an accumulation of fluoride in bone, which increases bone density, reduces joint mobility, and can lead to fractures and pain; such high doses can sometimes even lead to cardiac complications. Some evidence suggests that the neurological development of children may be stunted by high fluoride exposure, but more research is needed to be sure. Fluoride toxicity most often occurs due to excessive ingestion of fluoridated dental products and in areas with naturally elevated levels of fluoride in the groundwater (e. g., parts of China and India). In cases of fluoride toxicity, calcium is often used to minimize further absorption of fluoride.[1]

    References

    1. ^Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, Amrein K, Augsburger M, Biesalski HK, Bischoff SC, Casaer MP, Gundogan K, Lepp HL, de Man AME, Muscogiuri G, Pietka M, Pironi L, Rezzi S, Cuerda CESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr.(2022-Jun)