Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, and certain foods, although it can also be incorporated into various everyday products. Fluoride intake has proven benefits, such as reducing the incidence of dental cavities, by protecting teeth from deterioration through the demineralization and remineralization processes.
Due to these properties, it is used in products such as toothpastes, dental cements and resins, gels and mouthwashes, varnishes, some dental flosses, and supplements. In fact, in several countries, governments add it to drinking water as a public health measure to reduce cavities in the population.
Risks due to excess fluoride.
On the other hand, high fluoride consumption can cause various health effects:
- Dental fluorosis: The exposure to high concentrations during childhood, when teeth are still forming, can cause mild fluorosis. This condition manifests itself in minor stains on the enamel. Although it does not compromise dental functionality, the aesthetic alteration is noticeable.
- Skeletal fluorosis: produces pain and damage in bones and joints. Bones harden and lose elasticity, raising the risk of fractures. Bone thickening and tissue buildup can hinder joint mobility.
- Neurological problems: Associations have been found between high levels of fluoride and a decrease in IQ in children exposed to fluoridated water continuously. However, studies are still inconclusive, and more research is required to confirm these findings.
- Intoxication: Very high exposure can cause abdominal pain. Excessive saliva, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and muscle spasms. This does not occur with tap water under normal conditions, but in exceptional situations such as industrial accidents or massive pollution.
Common sources of excess fluoride
Excessive fluoride intake occurs mainly in regions where groundwater naturally contains high concentrations of this mineral, especially in hot climates, where water consumption is greater, and it is also used in food preparation or crop irrigation.
Other possible sources are the inappropriate use of rinses or fluorinated pastes, bottled water without quality control, inappropriate consumption of fluoride supplements and specific foods.
Safe daily dose of fluoride
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) establishes that the optimal level of fluoride to prevent cavities is 0.7 ppm, that is, 0.7 milligrams per liter of water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets a maximum limit of 4 ppm and a secondary limit of 2 ppm. When levels exceed 2 ppm, authorities must be notified. Water above 4 ppm can be dangerous. In regions where water contains naturally high levels, supply systems must ensure that the maximum of 4 ppm recommended daily intake of fluoride is not exceeded.
Stage of life and suggested amount
- Birth to 6 months 0.01 mg
- Infants 7–12 months 0.5 mg
- 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
- Adult men 19+ years 4 mg
- Adult women 19+ years 3 mg
- Pregnant teens and women 3 mg
- Breastfeeding teens and women 3 mg
How to remove fluoride from water?
Controlling fluoride in water is vital to protecting public health. Although its presence in small concentrations provides benefits, excesses can have serious long-term consequences.
Following this line, Zeomedia has Fluorex, a specialized filter medium that allows fluoride to be removed safely and efficiently, ensuring that the water meets recommended international standards.
The adoption of technologies such as Fluorex not only represents a technical solution but also an effort in favor of public health. Citizens must demand governments, operating organizations, and companies use treatments that guarantee water and food with safe levels of fluoride, thus promoting healthier communities and a cleaner future.
Sources:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-Consumer/
