What Happens When You Get Too Much Fluoride?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Whereas low fluoride doses strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, it is important to note that excessive fluoride levels can cause health issues such as

fluorosis

. Dental fluorosis causes discoloration of the teeth, the formation of white marks on the teeth, a mottled enamel, and low mineralization.

How do you know if you have too much fluoride?

While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much fluoride can cause

dental fluorosis — a discoloration of teeth

, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization.

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 happens when you swallow too much fluoride?

HOW MUCH FLUORIDE DO I GET? Toothpaste that is swallowed can

lead to a spike in blood levels of Fluoride

, these high levels of fluoride can cause permanent damage to our teeth.

Can fluoride make you sick?


There is risk associated with fluoride intake

. If too much fluoride is ingested (like a child swallowing a tube of prescription strength fluoride toothpaste), nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are likely to occur. As long as fluoride is used as directed by your dental and medical professionals, the risk is minimal.

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.

How is fluoride toxicity treated?

Conclusion:

Oral administration of a high dose of CaCl2 or MgSO4

is a simple, safe, and effective adjunctive method for treating severe oral fluoride poisoning.

Can too much fluoride make your teeth yellow?

Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called

fluorosis

. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride.

Can too much fluoride cause sensitivity?

It was also shown that the high fluoride content of the tooth decreased the mineralization rate in the tooth’s structure. Hypomineralized teeth frequently have extreme sensitivity to cold or sweet stimuli and tooth brushing.

How does fluoride affect teeth?

Fluoride

helps prevent tooth decay by

making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

Is it OK to swallow fluoride?

Fluoride toothpaste contains a higher concentration of fluoride than fluoridated water does, and

it’s not meant to be swallowed

. There’s some debate over the safety of fluoride, including fluoride toothpaste, but the American Dental Association still recommends it for both children and adults.

How much fluoride is safe to consume?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum amount of fluoride allowable in drinking water of

4.0 mg/L

. Long-term exposure to levels higher than this can cause a condition called skeletal fluorosis, in which fluoride builds up in the bones.

Can I swallow my saliva after brushing teeth?

While you should never swallow significant amounts of toothpaste,

ingesting a tiny bit mixed with saliva after brushing your teeth is unlikely to do you harm

(especially when compared to the risks of gum disease and tooth decay).

Is fluoride treatment at dentist worth it?


Yes

! Not only does fluoride prevent decay, it can also reduce root hypersensitivity such as cold sensitivity and sensitivity during dental cleanings, which can be common with gum recession.

Can fluoride upset your stomach?

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.

Can I brush my teeth after fluoride?

The treatment period for fluoride is four to six hours. After treatment:

Do not brush or floss for at least six hours

. Eat only soft foods for at least two hours.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.