Signs of Deficiency and Toxicity Deficiency. Fluoride is not considered an essential nutrient but plays an important role in dental and possibly bone health. A deficiency of fluoride can lead to dental caries and potentially bone problems. See the section on Fluoride and Health. Toxicity

Fluoride, a mineral, is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. Fluoride is the ionic form of the element fluorine, and it inhibits or reverses the initiation and progression of dental caries (tooth decay) and stimulates new bone formation . Soil, water, plants, and foods contain trace amounts of fluoride.

Consuming enough fluoride can make tooth decay less likely and may strengthen bones. The addition of fluoride (fluoridation) to drinking water that is low in fluoride or the use of fluoride toothpaste and supplements significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Also, a diet low in chloride (salt) has been found to increase fluoride retention by reducing urinary excretion of fluoride (1). In humans, the only clear effect of inadequate fluoride intake is an increased risk of dental caries (tooth decay) for individuals of all ages.

What is fluoride and what does it do? Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and helps keep your bones strong. How much fluoride do I need? The amount of fluoride you need each day depends on your age and sex. Here are the average daily recommended amounts in milligrams (mg). Life Stage Recommended Amount Birth to 6 months 0.01 mg

What is fluoride and what does it do? Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and helps keep your bones strong. How much fluoride do I need? The amount of fluoride you need each day depends on your age and sex. Here are the average daily recommended amounts in milligrams (mg).

The main source of fluoride is fluoridated drinking water. Fluorine deficiency can lead to dental caries and possibly osteoporosis. Fluoridation of water that contains < 1 parts per million (the ideal) reduces the incidence of dental caries. If a child’s drinking water is not fluoridated, oral fluoride supplements can be prescribed.

A lack (deficiency) of fluoride may lead to increased cavities, and weak bones and teeth. Too much fluoride in the diet is very rare. Rarely, infants who get too much fluoride before their teeth have broken through the gums have changes in the enamel that covers the teeth.

Fluoride Deficiency - Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from the Merck Manuals - Medical Consumer Version.

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Adding fluoride to tap water (called fluoridation) helps reduce cavities in children by more than half. Fluoridated water is found in most community water systems. Well water often does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Food prepared in fluoridated water contains fluoride.