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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Nutrition > F > Fluoride in diet

Fluoride in diet   

Overview | Recommendations | Side Effects | Food Sources

Alternative names:

Diet - fluoride

Side Effects

Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased incidence of dental caries and unstable bones and teeth.

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 (mottled enamel).  At very high concentrations (over 2.5 parts per million) dark brown stains appear on the teeth.  Although unsightly, these teeth rarely have any dental caries.

In addition, high fluoride intake (20 to 80 milligrams per day) over a period of many years can cause skeletal fluorosis, which causes the bones to be chalky and brittle.

Ency. home > Nutrition > F > Fluoride in diet

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