Supplements & Herbs

Sponsored by Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor.

What is fluoride?
Fluorides are compounds containing fluorine, the most reactive element found on the periodic table. The most common fluorides are sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride, which is found naturally in low concentration in drinking water, especially well water, and in some foods. Fluorine is also added to city water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate are all fluorine compounds added to toothpaste, also to help prevent tooth decay

Why is fluoride necessary?
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and cavities, and promotes strong teeth and enamel. The addition of fluoride to most public water supplies is credited with a 40 to 60 percent reduction in tooth decay in both children and adults who live in fluoridated communities.

What are the signs of a deficiency?
Tooth decay and poor tooth health are signs of fluoride deficiency, and long-term deficiency can lead to osteoporosis.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends adult males get 4 mg daily and adult females (including those who are pregnant or lactating) get 3 mg daily. Up to 10 mg of fluoride daily from food and water is considered safe for adults.

How much does a child need?
The NIH recommends: infants 0 - 6 months, 0.1 mg daily; 7 -12 months, 0.5 mg; children 1 - 3 years, 0.7 mg; 4 -8 years, 1 mg; 9 -13 years, 2 mg; 14 - 18 years, 3 mg.

How do you get enough fluoride from foods?
Tea is a natural source of fluoride compounds, and fluoridated water is another good source. Fluoride compounds are added to salt in some countries in which fluoridated water is uncommon or unavailable.

Are there any risks associated with too much fluoride?
Consuming excessive fluoride can create chalky white, irregular patches on the surface of teeth, causing the enamel to appear mottled. In very large amounts, fluoride is toxic and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and sometimes even death. Signs of fluoride overdose include excessive salivation, tremors, weakness, convulsion and a soapy or salty taste in the mouth. In addition, high amounts of fluoride over several years can cause brittle bones, but this is extremely rare.

Are there any other special considerations?
Children should be instructed not to swallow toothpaste, but if your children drink bottled or filtered water, they may need supplemental fluoride (ask your dentist to prescribe the proper dosage). If you drink bottled or filtered water, be sure to use a toothpaste containing fluoride, (but again, don't swallow it).

advertisement

Is fluoride right for you?
Everyone's dietary needs are different based on a number of factors including lifestyle, diet, medications and more. To find out if flouride is right for you, take Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor. This 4-step questionnaire requires just minutes to complete, and generates a free, no-obligation vitamin and nutritional supplement recommendation that is personalized to meet your unique nutritional needs.