Fluoride in the body: what it is, harmfulness, properties, what it is in

Remember fluoridation in primary school? That specific aftertaste was actually fluoride. It used to be that almost all pupils ran around the corridor with foam in their mouths, and today the trend seems to be the opposite - fluoride is considered harmful by many people.

Contrary to appearances, an adequate amount of it is important for health. Therefore, together with Ilona Krzak, M.Sc. in Pharmacy, we will explain how fluoride works, when it is dangerous and how to use it.

The following is an overview of how fluoride works.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that plays key roles in the body. It is essential for the proper development and maintenance of tooth and bone health. Nevertheless, an excess of it can be harmful. Too much of this mineral causes discolouration and cracks on the enamel of the teeth. Therefore, moderation and proper portioning is importantand.

What symbol does fluoride have?

Fluorine, a chemical element with an atomic number of 9, is represented in the periodic table by the symbol "F". This compound - due to its chemical properties - is used extensively in, among other things, dentistry and various industries, such as nuclear, metallurgical or chemicaland.

Is fluoride harmful?

Fluoride, like many other substances, can be harmful to health if consumed in excessive amounts. Too much exposure to fluoride, especially during tooth development in children, can lead to fluorosis. This is a condition that causes discolouration and cracks on the surface of teeth, potentially affecting the appearance and health of the mouthand.

The effects of high doses of fluoride can also include bone weakness and problems with the skin, as well as the digestive and nervous systems. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of fluoride can lead to serious health problems, including poisoning and deathand.

Remember, however, that common sources of fluoride, such as toothpaste and tap water, usually contain the mineral in safe amounts for the body.

Fluorine - properties and functions in the body

Fluorine is an element that is very important for human health. It is crucial for the condition of teeth and bones. It exhibits unique properties that affect various functions in the body. What aspects does it particularly affect?

Tooth health

Fluoride has a significant impact on dental health. First and foremost, it affects the enamel, promoting its resistance to decay-causing bacteria. Fluoride, or more specifically, its ions, are part of the tooth enamel, so adequate levels of fluoride affect the condition of teethand.

Regular use of fluoride contributes to the remineralisation process, reversing the early stages of decay and helping to maintain dental health.

On the other hand, however, an excess of this element can lead to a condition called fluorosis. This is characterised by the formation of stains, discolouration or cracks on the surface of the enamel, which can be aesthetically unpleasant and potentially damaging to dental health. 

The condition is also known as fluorosis.

It is therefore all about balance - the right amount of fluoride in the diet is crucial for dental health.

Bone condition

Fluoride also has a significant impact on bone health. Similar to tooth enamel, fluoride can absorb into bone structure, replacing some hydroxyl ions and forming compounds that can increase bone density. In this way, they improve both bone strength and potentially counteract diseases such as osteoporosisand.

Similar to teeth, however, overexposure to fluoride leads to the formation of new bone tissue too quickly. This can lead to bones that are denser but also brittle and prone to fracture. Therefore, a balance in fluoride intake is crucial for bone health.

Regulation of metabolism

Fluoride may affect the regulation of metabolism in the body. Some evidence suggests that it supports the action of certain enzymes that are key to metabolic processes such as digestion and nutrient utilisationand.

This interaction is important because proteins control most of the biochemical processes in cells, influencing the rate of metabolism.

Tooth fluoride

Tooth fluoride is most commonly found in products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and special gels used in professional dental prevention. It is also found in some drinking water sources - either naturally or added artificially to improve dental healthand.

During daily use, fluoride toothpaste should be used washing at least twice a day. Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash is an additional way to provide your teeth with this compound. It is important not to swallow fluoride-containing products as they can be harmful to healthand.

For children, use toothpaste with less fluoride (as recommended by your dentist), as little ones may mistakenly swallow toothpaste. And excess fluoride in children can lead to fluorosis.

Is fluoride in toothpaste harmful?

Fluoride in toothpaste is not harmful as long as it is used correctly. It is an important mineral that helps protect teeth from decay by strengthening the enamel. However, problems can occur if fluoride is consumed in large amounts, especially by young children who may tend to swallow toothpaste. 

Excessive amounts of this mineral can lead to fluorosis, which is characterised by discolouration and possible weakening of the teeth. Therefore, use toothpaste carefully.

Fluoride deficiency

Fluoride deficiency is a rare condition that can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and a weakened skeletal system.

The causes of fluoride deficiency can vary, but are most commonly due to insufficient intake of the mineral. The reason may be its low content in the diet, for example by consuming water that does not naturally contain fluoride, or avoiding fluoridated products such as fluoride toothpaste. Other causes may include diseases that affect the body's ability to absorb this mineral, but these are rareand.

Symptoms of fluoride deficiency :

• Increased risk of tooth decay.
.
• Tooth pain.
.
• Changes in the structure of the teeth.
• Changes in the structure of the teeth.
• Bone fracture.
• Bone fracture.

Completing fluoride deficiency is based mainly on including products and drinks containing this mineral in the diet. Toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can also be used. 

In cases of particularly low fluoride levels, dedicated prescription preparations may be used. And in extreme cases, it is not uncommon for specialist dental procedures to be needed. 

Always, however, before starting fluoride supplementation, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or dentist to avoid excess levels of this element, which can also be harmful.

Fluoride excess

Fluoride excess occurs due to chronic consumption of excessive amounts of this mineral. Although fluoride is beneficial to dental health, an overdose can lead to a number of health problemsand.

Products such as fluoride toothpaste, mouthwashes, fluoride supplements or drinking water and foods containing high concentrations of this mineral can be the cause of excess.

In young children in particular, who tend to swallow toothpaste during brushing, there is a risk of excess fluoride. Therefore, it is important to control the amount of toothpaste used and educate little ones not to swallow it.

Today's toothpaste is a good example of this.

Symptoms of excess fluorideand: