Fluoride (F) is not an essential trace element in humans or necessary for the
development of healthy teeth and bones.9,10 It is likely that there is no threshold for fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity in drinking water, and the only
assuredly safe level of fluoride in drinking water is zero.10,11,12 The currently
recommended level of 0.7 mg F/L for community water systems10,11 and the
provision of fluoridated salt are no longer appropriate for preventing dental caries
because they
References
1. Hawkins R, Noble J, Locker D, et al. A comparison of the costs and patient acceptability of professionally applied topical fluoride foam and varnish. J Public Health Dent. 2004;64(2):106-110.
2. Marinho VCC, Worthington HV, Walsh T, Clarkson JE. Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst
Rev. 2013;7:CD002279.
3. Ramos-Gomez F. A model for community-based pediatric oral health: implementation of an infant oral care pro
Plain language summary
Is the use of fluoride toothpaste during early childhood associated with discolouration/mottling of teeth?
There is strong evidence that the use of toothpaste containing fluoride can prevent tooth decay (caries) in both children and adults. However, a possible adverse effect associated with the use of fluoride toothpaste is the mottling of permanent teeth due to the swallowing of excessive fluoride by young children with developing teeth. This dental fluorosis can rang
A 74-year-old man with double vessel coronary artery disease presented with angina on exertion grade II associated with hypertension. He was a reformed smoker and was leading an active life for his age. He came from Jhunjuna province of Rajasthan, India, which is notorious for a high fluoride content in the drinking water. He gave a history of difficult spinal block for transurethral resection of prostrate, some 10 years earlier, which he recollected as 3–4 ‘pricks’ in his back. On examina
Abstract
Chronic fluorosis is a widespread disease-related to the ingestion of high levels of fluoride through water and food. Prolonged ingestion of fluoride adversely affects the teeth, bones and other organs and alters their anatomy and physiology. Fluoride excess is a risk factor in cardiovascular disease and other major diseases, including hypothyroidism, diabetes and obesity. Although anaesthesiologists may be aware of its skeletal and dental manifestations, other systemic manifesta
