What Is The Health Effects Of Excess Fluoride In Drinking Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Ingestion of excess fluoride, most commonly in drinking-water, can cause fluorosis

What is fluorosis how does it affect the body?

Dental fluorosis

affects children and discolours and disfigures the teeth

. Skeletal fluorosis affects the bones and major joints of the body like neck, back bone, shoulder, hip and knee joints resulting in to severe pain, rigidity or stiffness in joints. Severe forms of skeletal fluorosis results in marked disability.

What are the side effects of too much fluoride?

  • 7 Side Effects of Consuming Fluoride You Should Know About. Mar 14, 2019. …
  • 7 fluoride side effects that should be monitored to achieve desired results-
  • Tooth Discoloration. Consumption of too much of fluoride leads to yellowed or browned teeth. …
  • Tooth Decay. …
  • Skeletal Weakness. …
  • Neurological Problems. …
  • High Blood Pressure. …
  • Acne.

What is the healthy weight of excess fluoride in drinking water?

In some countries, particularly parts of India, Africa and China, drinking water can contain very high concentrations of naturally occurring fluoride – well in excess of the WHO’s recommended Guideline Value of

1.5 mg/litre

.

How much fluoride can you consume?

According to the EPA, typical daily fluoride intakes in the United States from foods and beverages (including fluoridated drinking water) are

1.2 to 1.6 mg for infants and toddlers younger than 4 years

, 2.0 to 2.2 mg for children aged 4–11 years, 2.4 mg for those aged 11–14 years, and 2.9 mg for adults [10].

Does boiling water remove fluoride?

While boiling water is effective for ridding it of chlorine, it will not help with fluoride levels. In fact,

boiling water will increase the fluoride content

.

Can fluoride treatments make you sick?

Acute toxicity, such as an overdose on fluoride supplement pills, can cause:

nausea

.

diarrhea

.

tiredness

.

Can fluoridated water cause stomach problems?

The results from the water fluoridation overfeed reports (concentrations of fluoride in the stomach between 20 and 250 mg/L) indicate that GI symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, are

common side effects

from exposure to high concentrations of fluoride.

Where does fluoride accumulate in the body?

Approximately 99% of the fluoride in the human body is found in

bones and teeth

. Fluoride is incorporated into tooth and bone by replacing the hydroxyl ion in hydroxyapatite to form fluorohydroxyapatite.

What are the reasons for fluorosis?

Fluorosis is caused by

excessive intake of fluorides from multiple sources

such as in food, water, air (due to gaseous industrial waste), and excessive use of toothpaste. However, drinking water is the most significant source.

How do you remove fluoride from drinking water?

Whilst you can remove most chemicals using a standard filtration system, fluoride in water is harder to remove. The most effective way to eliminate fluoride from your water supply is to

install a specialised filter

— or to use a water dispenser system.

How long does fluoride stay in the body?

Once in the blood, fluoride is gradually removed via the kidneys, reducing to half its original level in

between three and ten hours

. The long-term blood level is influenced by daily exposure as well as by take-up in growing bone and release as old bone is broken down.

Which toothpastes contain fluoride?

  • Colgate Total Whitening Paste Toothpaste.
  • Crest Pro Health Advanced Extra Deep Clean Mint.
  • Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitivity Protection.
  • Colgate Optic White Teeth Whitening Toothpaste.
  • Tom’s Of Maine Anti-cavity Toothpaste.

How much fluoride is recommended per day?

Life Stage Recommended Amount Children 1–3 years

0.7 mg
Children 4–8 years 1 mg Children 9–13 years 2 mg Teens 14–18 years 3 mg

What happens to teeth without fluoride?

“Previous research indicates that without the presence of optimal levels of fluoride in drinking water, and thus in the mouth and saliva, teeth may form with weaker enamel and

lack the ability to remineralize early signs of decay

,” the study researchers warn.

Does fluoride strengthen teeth?

Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter as

it strengthens tooth enamel

and makes it more resistant to acid and plaque. While fluoride treatments are typically given to children as their teeth tend to be most vulnerable, adults also benefit from fluoride.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.