Fluoride Dangers: What Too Much Does To Your Teeth | Fortson Dentistry

Fluoride comes from fluorine, an element that naturally occurs in water, soil, and many foods. Fluoride is also synthetically manufactured for use in drinking water, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. Fluoride is an essential mineral in your teeth and bones. It helps keep your teeth healthy and strong and fluoride can also repair decaying teeth in the early stages.

Fluoride found in toothpaste is absorbed by the teeth during brushing. The presence of fluoride protects teeth from acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When incorporated in the teeth, fluoride hardens the enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. You will find that many kinds of toothpaste add fluoride supplements to help protect the enamel surface and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride reverses the effects of demineralization by depositing minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in damaged areas of the tooth, stopping the decay. This process is called remineralization. The application of topical fluoride increases the rate at which the enamel grows on teeth and the size of the enamel crystals. Larger enamel crystals make the teeth less susceptible to tooth decay.

Whereas low fluoride doses strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, it is important to note that excessive fluoride levels can cause health issues such as fluorosis. Dental fluorosis causes discoloration of the teeth, the formation of white marks on the teeth, a mottled enamel, and low mineralization. Fluorosis develops mostly in young children when they are exposed to too much fluoride. Up to around age nine, while a child’s teeth are still forming, they are more susceptible to fluorosis. Care should, therefore, be exercised by parents and caregivers to minimize the dangers of fluoride.

Health complications associated with fluorosis include:

Skeletal fluorosisSkeletal fluorosis is a disease of the bones caused by exposure to very high levels of fluoride. This disease hardens bones and reduces their elasticity, thus heightening the risk of getting fractures. The disease can also cause impairment of joint mobility due to the thickening and accumulation of bone tissue.

Thyroid problemsExposure to a lot of fluorides can damage the thyroid gland, resulting in the uncontrolled production of parathyroid hormones. This condition is known as hyperparathyroidism. The condition depletes calcium levels in bones and causes abnormal calcium concentrations in the blood.

Neurological problemsExposure to high fluoride levels before birth is associated with poor cognitive abilities in children. A report published in 2017 indicated that high fluoride levels were linked to low scores in IQ tests. Fluoride is also one of the documented neurotoxins, which means it can be a danger in a child’s growth and development.

Fluorosis treatmentFluorosis can be a source of discomfort or anxiety among many people. Depending on the symptoms you’ve experienced, there are a number of treatment options available. These include:

• Removal of stains through tooth whitening that can be done using homemade remedies or teeth whitening products available in the market.
• Bonding. This entails the addition of a hard resin coating to the tooth, which bonds with the enamel.
• Dental veneers. Veneers are tooth-colored shells that are usually attached to the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance.
• Dental crowns. Crowns are caps that are made to cover damaged teeth and restore them to their normal shape, size, and function.

Prevention of fluorosisLike many other diseases, fluorosis is preventable if care is taken to ensure the right amounts of fluoride. Parents need to ensure that children do not swallow toothpaste while brushing since swallowed toothpaste contributes to a Childs fluoride intake. It is also prudent that parents ensure children use age-appropriate toothpaste.

Dietary supplements can also be used for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. However, this can only be done upon prescription by a doctor. These supplements are given to children living in areas with non-fluoridated water sources to reduce fluoride-related tooth complications.

Monitoring the fluoride in drinking water is another way of reducing fluoride dangers, especially if you have young children. People who use private water wells are advised to have their water tested at least once a year to ascertain fluoride levels. The recommended fluoride levels for dental health are 0.7 parts of fluoride per million parts of water.

Ultimately, fluoride is an essential element for the body, but it’s important to keep in mind that like most things, there’s a limit. If you have questions on how much fluoride you need, or have concerns you’re getting too much fluoride on your teeth, be sure to contact a dental professional. If you are in fact low on fluoride, a dentist can provide you with fluoride treatments to make sure you’re getting the correct amount for your specific needs. Our professional staff will help you determine how much fluoride is too much for your teeth and get you on the path to healthy fluoride levels for your teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations!

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Fortson Dentistry’s staff provides high-quality dental services to our patients in Southeast Michigan from our five locations.