Fluoride in diet

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Diet - fluoride

Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased cavities, and weak bones and teeth.

When there is a high amount of fluoride in the drinking water, a problem called chronic dental fluorosis may occur. The tooth enamel becomes dull and pitted. If the water contains over 2.5 parts per million of fluoride, the teeth will stain dark brown. Although this is unsightly, such teeth rarely have any cavities.

In addition, high fluoride intake (20 - 80 milligrams per day) over a period of many years may cause skeletal fluorosis (chalky, brittle bones).

Review Date: 09/02/2005
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.