{"id":3188,"date":"2019-10-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-10-24T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neolifesalud.com\/use-fluoride-with-caution\/"},"modified":"2019-10-25T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-10-24T22:00:00","slug":"use-fluoride-with-caution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neolifesalud.com\/en\/blog\/prevention-and-anti-aging\/use-fluoride-with-caution\/","title":{"rendered":"Use fluoride, with caution"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Fluoride is present in varying amounts in different sources (water, toothpaste, food, etc.). For years, it played a central role in the prevention of tooth decay. Now, there are concerns raised in regards to its toxicity.<\/strong><\/h1>\n

It is absolutely essential to find out more about fluoride and its function, and estimate the dose absorbed. Are we exposed to a risk of excess fluoride? What are the implications? Should this influence our choices regarding certain consumer products?<\/p>\n

Dr. Celia Gonzalo Gleyzes – Neolife Medical Team<\/em><\/p>\n

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Sources of fluoride<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fluoride content in groundwater<\/strong> ranges from 0 to 40 mg\/L. There are areas (foothills, for example) that are richer in this element, the so-called fluoride belts<\/strong>. One of these extends from Syria through Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Sudan, and Kenya, and there is another one across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, India, North Thailand, and China. There are similar areas in America and Japan (1). Policies related to the prevention of tooth decay have led to water fluoridation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There are significant amounts of fluoride in tea<\/strong>, canned sardines<\/strong>, supplements,<\/strong> and toothpaste<\/strong> (2).<\/p>\n

\"fluoride\"<\/p>\n

Dietary fluoride is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. Up to a third is deposited into calcified tissue; the rest is eliminated in urine.<\/p>\n

Fluorapatite or fluorohydroxyapatite may be formed in bones<\/strong> and teeth<\/strong>. 99% of the body\u2019s fluoride is located here. And the amount increases with age.<\/p>\n

We cannot state that fluoride<\/strong> is absolutely necessary, even if it has beneficial effects. What has been proven is that once it is incorporated into the bone, it increases the activity of the osteoblasts (bone-producing cells) and bone mineral density in the lumbar spine. However, it may increase the risk of non-vertebral fractures. Low fluoride levels are only associated with cavities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The toxicity of fluoride<\/strong><\/p>\n

Poisoning<\/strong> occurs from fluoride intake (water, fluoride supplements, fluorinated pesticides), inhalation or skin absorption (Freon or hydrofluoric acid spills). 80% of cases of poisoning in children under 6 years of age occur due to the ingestion of toothpaste or mouthwash.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of acute poisoning<\/strong> include gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiac dysfunction, kidney disease, coma, and may even lead to death.<\/p>\n

Chronic fluoride toxicity (fluorosis), may affect <\/strong>teeth (white spots and defects appear), the skeleton (a change in its properties, appearance of osteophytes), and ligaments (calcification). Symptoms range from muscle weakness to chronic fatigue, joint stiffness, and multiple neurological effects (radiculopathy, spinal stenosis).<\/p>\n

The bone affected by fluorosis<\/strong> (an exchange of hydroxyapatite crystals for fluorapatite crystals) is denser but with a lower capacity for remodeling and greater rigidity, leading to an increased risk of pathological fractures (2).<\/p>\n

In terms of diagnosis, suspicions are based on symptoms and X-ray findings but confirmed with the detection of excess fluoride in the blood<\/strong> (>0.2 mg\/L), urine or bone tissue (biopsy).<\/p>\n

The adequate intake (AI) of fluoride<\/strong> is the following:<\/p>\n