Trace Mineral- Fluorine

Question 1

Sources

Answer 1

-Tea
-Sea water
-Fish (haddock, sea bass)
-Dietary supplements

Question 2

Functions

Answer 2

-Usually regarded as an essential element- role in PROTECTION AGAINST DENTAL DEFORMALITIES
-Important in STRENGTHENING TEETH AGAINST DECAY- though to combine with the protecting ENAMEL COATING of teeth, making them resistant to attack by acid produced in mouth
-Forms CALCIUM FLUORAPATITE- increases BONE MINERAL, and decreases its SOLUBILITY TO ACID- this property has been proven to contribute to RESISTANCE TO TEETH TO DENTAL CAVITIES

Question 3

Requirements

Answer 3

-Strengthening value only when TEETH ARE DEVELOPING IN CHILDREN
-Guidelines set very low- can cause mottling (patchy skin colour)

Question 4

Fluorine deficiency

Answer 4

-Rare
-Extreme cases- ENAMEL ON TEETH WILL WEAKEN and chance of DENTAL CAVITIES WILL INCREASE- acid will erode teeth

Question 5

Excess Fluorine

Answer 5

-Fluorine toxicity (FLUOROSIS)- where Fluorine manifests in dental tissue- leaves teeth with a MOTTLED APPEARANCE
-toxicity can DEPRESS GROWTH, HARDEN LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS, MAKE BONES BRITTLE AND INDUCE DEGENERATION OF MAJOR BODY SYSTEMS
-Excessive- FOOD POISONING

Question 6

Interactions

Answer 6

-Combining with CALCIUM PHOSPHATE- FLUORINE HARDENS TOOTH ENAMEL- help guard against tooth decay

Question 7

Supplements

Answer 7

-Drops/ tablets- those with no access to fluorinated water
-Should be taken from BIRTH- cover the whole TOOTH MINERALISATION PERIOD