Fluoride Flashcards
How many fluoride is found in the body?
very low levels in body
not considered essential
no known biological function
shown to have beneficial effects (esp teeth)
What are some sources of fluoride?
Fluoridated water: 1 ppm or 1 mg/L
beverages in general vary greatly in fluoride content depending on water
some grains
some marine fish (w/ bones)
tea w/ decaffeinated higher than caffeinated
toothpaste
highly available (80-90% absorbed)
Digestion, Absorption, Transport, Storage, and Excretion of Fluoride?
protein-bound fluoride (F-) hydrolyzed and released
may form insoluble complexes w/ calcium and magnesium
Absorbed by passive diffusion (rapid in stomach and nearly complete)
Transported as ionic F or hydrofluoric acid or bound to plasma proteins
most found in bones and teeth
most excretion in urine
What are some functions of fluoride?
F stimulates osteoblast proliferation and mineral deposition in bone
increases the resistance of enamel to acid demineralization and increases tooth mineralization
- can even reverse tooth decay when started
- can replace hydroxide ions in apatite
What are some functions of fluoride?
Fluorohydroxyapatite resistant to cavities
Topical Fluoride appears to decrease production of acid by oral bacteria
No true deficiency syndrome as it is not essential
Is Fluoride toxicity possible?
- acute toxicity is possible
- from supp. or too much toothpaste
chronic tox.: Fluorosis
-dental and/or skeletal
can monitor exposure w/ urine and plasma
not body’s status
What is the fluoride content in Canadian drinking water?
Bantford Ontario 1st to add in 1945
Toronto started adding in 1963
~43% of Canadians have fluoridated water supply
huge regional differences
What is Dental Fluorosis (mottling)? (Fluoride toxicity)
2-8 mg fluoride/d
critical exposure period: 1-4 yo
> 8 yo not at risk
cannot occur once tooth has erupted into oral cavity
est. 10% of ppl exposed to 1 mg/L in water source will develop dental fluorosis
est. 6% ppl exposed to 0.4 mg/L will develop fluorosis
~16% Ca. children have some form of fluorosis that often goes unnoticed by both children and their parents
What is Skeletal Fluorosis? (Fluoride toxicity)
Result from excessive exposure to fluoride from coal burning, industrial exposure..
10s of millions ppl affected worldwide: w/ crippling form of skeletal fluorosis
Crippling effects result from calcification of ligaments, muscle wasting, and neurological defects
What are some considerations for children regarding fluoride?
fluoridated toothpaste should be used twice a day to brush teeth
young children tend to swallow toothpaste when brushing
Should I be worried about Fluoride in my drinking water?
No
science show no link b/w any adverse health effects and exposure to fluoride in drinking water at levels below the max. acceptable conc. of 1.5 mg/L in Canada
Who is responsible for adding fluoride to drinking water?
responsibility of municipalities, provincial or territorial authorities to decide whether to fluoridate their drinking water
Health Canada support to prevent dental decay–NOT participate in decision
Why does health Canada support fluoridation of dirnking water?
at low levels in drinking water: prevent formation of dental cavities and improves dental health
–may be increased risk of very mild/mild dental fluorosis
parents encouraged to teach children to brush teeth regularly but NOT to swallow the toothpaste
