Fluoride

Other Names: Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride, Atomic number 9, Calcarea Fluorica, F, Fluorophosphate, Fluorure, Fluorure d’Hydrogène, Fluorure de Phosphate Acidulé, Fluorure de Sodium, Fluorure Stanneux, Fluoruro, Hydrogen Fluoride, Monofluorophosphate, MFP, Nombre Atomique 9, Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Stannous Fluoride.

Special Precautions of Fluoride

• Especially for children relatively small doses of fluoride can induce symptoms of acute fluoride toxicity (i.e., poisoning). Early symptoms of fluoride poisoning include gastrointestinal pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. The minimum dose that can produce these symptoms is estimated to be 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg of fluoride (i.e., 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams of fluoride for every kilogram of bodyweight). A child weighing 10 kilograms, therefore, can suffer symptoms of acute toxicity by ingesting just 1 to 3 milligrams of fluoride in a single sitting. High doses are UNSAFE and can weaken bones and ligaments, and cause muscle weakness and nervous system problems. High doses of fluoride in children before their permanent teeth come through the gums can cause tooth discoloration. Toothpaste and fluoride rinses should not be swallowed routinely, particularly by children. It’s a good idea to make sure that children under six years of age use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste, just in case they swallow some.
• As with other toxins, fluoride affects different individuals differently. Symptoms can vary widely and depend on many factors, such as one’s genetic predispositions, body burden (overall body accumulation from all sources), mode of exposure, and length of exposure time (whether acute, as in the workplace, or chronic, as with ingestion of fluoridated water and food).Also involved are synergistic effects that occur, for instance, when fluoride enhances other drugs people may be taking, or by combining with substances in the water and forming even more potent toxins (such as with Aluminum Fluoride, a dangerous neurotoxin).Fluoride poisoning can be manifested in seemingly harmless symptoms, such as white spots in teeth (dental fluorosis), or chronic problems, such as arthritic joints, or more serious problems, including respiratory disease or cancer, or a complex of problems, whether acute or chronic.
• Fluoride sensitivity (i.e. not being able to tolerate any amount of fluoride in food, water, or even taking showers) may occur if one is fluoride poisoned, or it may occur if one is chemically sensitive due to toxic exposure to other chemicals or because of allergy or some other body imbalance.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fluoride seems to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding when taken in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 10 mg per day of elemental fluoride and when applied directly to the teeth in toothpastes and mouthwashes. But higher doses are UNSAFE and can weaken bones and ligaments, and cause muscle weakness and nervous system problems.

Benefits and uses of Fluoride are

Preventing tooth decay, when fluoride is added to drinking water or included in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other dental products.