Fluoride Benefits
The Benefits of Fluoride
By: Dr. George Obikoya
Fluorine occurs naturally in the Earth's crust,
water, and food as the negatively charged ion, fluoride (F-). Fluoride
is considered a trace element because only small amounts are present
in the body (about 2.6 grams in adults), and because the daily requirement
for maintaining dental health is only a few milligrams a day. About
95% of the total body fluoride is found in bones and teeth.
Although its role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay)
is well established, fluoride is not generally considered an essential
mineral element because humans do not require it for growth or to
sustain life. However, if one considers the prevention of chronic
disease (dental caries), an important criterion in determining essentiality,
then fluoride might well be considered an essential trace element.
Having healthy gums and teeth is important, recent studies show
that unhealthy gums is a predecessor to heart disease.
Fluoride comes in several forms. It is known by the following names,
calcium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate,
and sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride is added to most public drinking
water. The prime dietary source for fluoride are typically treated
drinking water however, it also shoes up in foods and beverages
that have been grown in areas where the drinking water has been
fluoridated and then used in the manufacture of those products.
Fluoride's primary function in the human body is to strengthen the
bone and it is known to prevent tooth decay. Experts contend that
fluoride strengthens the teeth's enamel by strengthening the mineral
composition of the teeth themselves.
Fluoride is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. Once in
the blood stream it rapidly enters mineralized tissue (bones and
developing teeth). At usual intake levels, fluoride does not accumulate
in soft tissue. The predominant mineral elements in bone are crystals
of calcium and phosphate, known as hydroxyapatite crystals. Fluoride's
high chemical reactivity and small radius allow it to either displace
the larger hydroxyl (-OH) ion in the hydroxyapatite crystal, forming
fluoroapatite, or to increase crystal density by entering spaces
within the hydroxyapatite crystal. Fluoroapatite hardens tooth enamel
and stabilizes bone mineral.
Both calcium and magnesium form insoluble complexes with fluoride
and are capable of significantly decreasing fluoride absorption
when present in the same meal. However, the absorption of fluoride
in the form of monofluorophosphate (unlike sodium fluoride) is unaffected
by calcium. A diet low in chloride (salt) has been found to increase
fluoride retention by reducing urinary excretion of fluoride.
In humans, the only clear effect of inadequate fluoride intake is
an increased risk of dental caries (tooth decay) for individuals
of all ages. Studies of patterns of water consumption and the prevalence
of dental caries across different climates and geographic regions
with different water fluoride concentrations in the United States
led to the development of a recommended optimum range of fluoride
concentration of 0.7-1.2 mg/liter or parts per million (ppm), with
the lower concentration recommended for warmer climates where water
consumption is higher, and the higher concentration for colder climates.
A number of studies conducted prior to the introduction of fluoride-containing
toothpastes demonstrated that the prevalence of dental caries was
40% to 60% lower in communities with optimal water fluoride concentrations
than in communities with low water fluoride concentrations.
The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine
updated its recommendations for fluoride intake in 1997. The FNB
felt there was inadequate data to set a Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA), instead Adequate Intake (AI) levels were based on estimated
intakes (0.05 mg/kg of body weight) that have been shown to reduce
the occurrence of dental caries most effectively without causing
the unwanted side effect of tooth enamel mottling known as dental
fluorosis.
Although the role of fluoride in preventing dental caries is well
established, the mechanisms for its effects are not entirely understood.
Originally, it was believed that fluoride incorporated into the
enamel during tooth development resulted in a more acid-resistant
enamel. More recent research indicates that the primary action of
fluoride occurs topically (at the surface) after the teeth erupt
into the mouth.
When enamel is partially demineralized by organic acids, fluoride
in the saliva can enhance the remineralization of enamel through
its interactions with calcium and phosphate. In the presence of
fluoride, remineralized enamel contains more fluoride and is more
resistant to demineralization. In salivary concentrations associated
with optimum fluoride intake, fluoride has been found to inhibit
bacterial enzymes, resulting in reduced acid production by cariogenic
bacteria
Fluoride intake is ideally begun early in childhood when the formation
of teeth and bones is still taking place, therefore strengthening
the initial buds for the future. Fluoride is also known to aid in
strengthening developing bone structure. Even though it is so important
to proper functioning of the human organism, fluoride deficiency
does occur but typically only in regions where water that is regularly
consumed is not treated with fluoridation. It is far more common
to see excess intake of fluoride over deficiency.
Fluoride taking in large quantities over time slowly poisons the
human body. Prolonged intake of treated water that contains more
than 2 parts fluoride per million (ppm) can lead to discolored,
mottled or brownish enamel on the teeth.
Extremely high concentrations, over 8 ppm can contribute to bone
disorders, kidney, liver and adrenal failure as well as the heart,
reproductive system and central nervous system. This is especially
dangerous in young children and the elderly.
Recommended intakes of fluoride vary, however the consensus among
professionals seems to be no more than 2.5 milligrams daily. Of
course, before starting any form of supplementation you should consult
your health care practitioner. Generally speaking, there is no reason
to take individual supplements of fluoride.
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References
Cerklewski FL. Fluoride bioavailability--nutritional and clinical
aspects. Nutr Res. 1997;17:907-929.
Cerklewski FL. Fluoride--essential or just beneficial. Nutrition.
1998;14(5):475-476
Fabiani L, Leoni V, Vitali M. Bone-fracture incidence rate in two
Italian regions with different fluoride concentration levels in
drinking water. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 1999;13(4):232-237.
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