What is it:
Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride, found primarily in the bones and teeth. Fluoride is involved in mineralization of developing tooth enamel prior to tooth eruption and for remineralization of surface enamel
What does it do:
Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridation of water supplies helped reduce dental cavities in children by 50-60%. Fluorides are also involved in the maintenance of bone structure. Low doses of fluoride salts can sometimes be used, under the supervision of a doctor, for the treatment of conditions that cause accelerated bone loss, such as menopause and prolonged immobility.
Symptoms of deficiency:
Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased cavities and unstable bones and teeth.
Overdose/Cautions:
When there is a high amount of fluoride in the drinking water, a problem called chronic dental fluorosis can occur. The tooth enamel becomes dull and unglazed with some pitting. At very high concentrations (over 2.5 parts per million) dark brown stains appear on the teeth. Although unsightly, these teeth rarely have any cavities. In addition, high fluoride intake (20-80 milligrams per day) over a period of many years can cause skeletal fluorosis, which causes the bones to be chalky and brittle.
Natural food sources:
seafood (ocean)
Drinking water
most toothpastes and mouthwash
tea
gelatin