J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2018;42(5):325-330. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-42.5.1. Epub 2018 May 15.

Fluoride Exposure in Early Life as the Possible Root Cause of Disease In Later Life.

Nakamoto T, Rawls HR.

Abstract

Fluoride, one of the most celebrated ingredients for the prevention of dental caries in the 20th century, has also been controversial for its use in dentifrices and other applications. In the current review, we have concentrated primarily on early-life exposure to fluoride and how it may affect the various organs. The most recent controversial aspects of fluoride are related to toxicity of the developing brain and how it may possibly result in the decrease of intelligence quotient (IQ), autism, and calcification of the pineal gland. In addition, it has been reported to have possible effects on bone and thyroid glands. If nutritional stress is applied during a critical period of growth and development, the organ(s) and/or body will never recover once they pass through the critical period. For example, if animals are force-fed during experiments, they will simply get fat but never reach the normal size. Although early-life fluoride exposure causing fluorosis is well reported in the literature, the dental profession considers it primarily as an esthetic rather than a serious systemic problem. In the current review, we wanted to raise the possibility of future disease as a result of early-life exposure to fluoride. It is not currently known how fluoride will become a cause of future disease. Studies of other nutritional factors have shown that the effects of early nutritional stress are a cause of disease in later life.

KEYWORDS:

Autistic Disorder; Caries; Fluoride; Growth and Development; Mental Retardation; Thyroid Gland

Life Sci. 2018 Apr 1;198:18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.02.001. Epub 2018 Feb 9.

Toxic effects of fluoride on organisms.

Zuo H¹, Chen L¹, Kong M¹, Qiu L¹, Lü P¹, Wu P¹, Yang Y¹, Chen K².

Author information

1

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.

2

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China. Electronic address: kpchen@ujs.edu.cn.

Abstract

Accumulation of excess fluoride in the environment poses serious health risks to plants, animals, and humans. This endangers human health, affects organism growth and development, and negatively impacts the food chain, thereby affecting ecological balance. In recent years, numerous studies focused on the molecular mechanisms associated with fluoride toxicity. These studies have demonstrated that fluoride can induce oxidative stress, regulate intracellular redox homeostasis, and lead to mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress and alter gene expression. This paper reviews the present research on the potential adverse effects of overdose fluoride on various organisms and aims to improve our understanding of fluoride toxicity.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Environment; Fluoride; Organisms; Toxicity

Indian J Pediatr. 2018 May;85(5):375-383. doi: 10.1007/s12098-017-2574-z. Epub 2018 Jan 3.

Curse of Fluorosis.

Patil MM¹, Lakhkar BB², Patil SS³.

Author information

1

Department of Pediatrics, BLDE University's Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapur, Karnataka, 586103, India. mmp076@gmail.com.

2

Department of Pediatrics, BLDE University's Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapur, Karnataka, 586103, India.

3

Department of Community Medicine, BLDE University's Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Fluoride was identified to have caries preventive properties and was widely used for fluoridation of water since 1940, especially in developed countries. After this there was sudden increase in the use of fluorides in food items and in oral medicinal products like toothpastes and mouth washes. Inadvertent use of above has lead to increase in fluorosis as a public health problem. In many places high fluorides are naturally present in earth crust leading to high water fluoride content increasing the risk of fluorosis. Maintaining a fine balance of fluorides in the body is mandatory for exploiting its advantages. World Health Organization (WHO) has fixed permissible limit of fluorides in water to 1.5 mg/L as a preventive step to contain fluorosis. Fluorosis has three clinical components: Dental, Skeletal and Non-Skeletal Fluorosis. It occurs with increasing level of fluorides in the body. Acute toxicity due to fluorides is also known and occurs as a result of sudden exposure to high levels of fluorides, usually by ingestion. Once fluorosis occurs it is irreversible without any cure. Only symptomatic and supportive management is possible. Hence prevention is the mainstay of management. Prevention is by using alternative sources of water or its de-fluoridation. National Program for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) was launched in 2008-9 to identify areas with high fluoride content of water, manage the water bodies, screen schools and community for fluorosis and comprehensive management of cases. Improving quality of drinking water as per standards and improving nutritional status of children are also important components of prevention of fluorosis.

KEYWORDS:

Anthropogeny; Fluoridation; Fluoride toxicity; Fluoroapatite

Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017 Aug;20(8):841-848. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2017.9104.

Potential fluoride toxicity from oral medicaments: A review.

Ullah R¹, Zafar MS^2,3, Shahani N¹.

Author information

1

Department of Oral Biology, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.

2

Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

3

Department of Dental Materials, Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Abstract

The beneficial effects of fluoride on human oral health are well studied. There are numerous studies demonstrating that a small amount of fluoride delivered to the oral cavity decreases the prevalence of dental decay and results in stronger teeth and bones. However, ingestion of fluoride more than the recommended limit leads to toxicity and adverse effects. In order to update our understanding of fluoride and its potential toxicity, we have described the mechanisms of fluoride metabolism, toxic effects, and management of fluoride toxicity. The main aim of this review is to highlight the potential adverse effects of fluoride overdose and poorly understood toxicity. In addition, the related clinical significance of fluoride overdose and toxicity has been discussed.

KEYWORDS:

Fluoridation; Fluoride; Oral health; Toxicity; Water fluoridation

Mater Sociomed. 2016 Apr;28(2):133-7. doi: 10.5455/msm.2016.28.133-137. Epub 2016 Mar 25.

FLUORIDE: A REVIEW OF USE AND EFFECTS ON HEALTH.

Kanduti D¹, Sterbenk P¹, Artnik B¹.

Author information

1

Chair of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Appropriate oral health care is fundamental for any individual's health. Dental caries is still one of the major public health problems. The most effective way of caries prevention is the use of fluoride.

AIM:

The aim of our research was to review the literature about fluoride toxicity and to inform physicians, dentists and public health specialists whether fluoride use is expedient and safe.

METHODS:

Data we used in our review were systematically searched and collected from web pages and documents published from different international institutions.

RESULTS:

Fluoride occurs naturally in our environment but we consume it in small amounts. Exposure can occur through dietary intake, respiration and fluoride supplements. The most important factor for fluoride presence in alimentation is fluoridated water. Methods, which led to greater fluoride exposure and lowered caries prevalence, are considered to be one of the greatest accomplishments in the 20th century`s public dental health. During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a barrier. The fluoride, therefore, crosses the placenta in low concentrations. Fluoride can be transmitted through the plasma into the mother's milk; however, the concentration is low. The most important action of fluoride is topical, when it is present in the saliva in the appropriate concentration. The most important effect of fluoride on caries incidence is through its role in the process of remineralization and demineralization of tooth enamel. Acute toxicity can occur after ingesting one or more doses of fluoride over a short time period which then leads to poisoning. Today, poisoning is mainly due to unsupervised ingestion of products for dental and oral hygiene and over-fluoridated water.

CONCLUSION:

Even though fluoride can be toxic in extremely high concentrations, it`s topical use is safe. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) recommends a preventive topical use of fluoride supplements because of their cariostatic effect.

KEYWORDS:

diet; fluorides; mechanism of action; standards; topical administration; toxicity