What is Fluorosis?

Are you aware of water-related diseases or have you ever heard of Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is caused by an ingestion of excess fluoride found most commonly in drinking water and it affects the teeth and bones. You can ingest moderate amounts of fluoride that will lead to dental effects but with long-term ingestion of fluoride it can lead to skeletal problems. There is a paradox when it comes to the ingestion of fluoride because low levels of fluoride intake can help prevent dental caries. When excess amounts of fluoride are ingested is when Fluorosis occurs, small amounts are not dangerous but large amounts are.

Dental effects of the condition show up much earlier than skeletal effects in those who have been exposed to large amounts of fluoride. The clinical characteristics of dental fluorosis are staining and pitting of the teeth and in more severe cases the enamel may be damaged.  This is not the only thing that can causes enamel defects.  Malnutrition, deficiencies of vitamins D and A or low protein-energy diet can also cause enamel opacities similar to dental fluorosis.

Skeletal Fluorosis is caused by chronic high-level exposure to fluoride.  Fluoride accumulates in the bone progressively over many years with skeletal fluorosis. Minor fluorosis exhibits symptoms such as stiffness and pain in the joints and in severe cases symptoms include bone structure changes and ligaments may calcify, with resulting impairment of muscles and pain.  High-level exposure to fluoride causes immediate effect of abdominal pain, excessive saliva, nausea and vomiting. Seizures and muscle spasms may also occur but this is in acute high-level exposure.

The cause of acute high-level exposure to fluoride is rare and usually due to accidental contamination of drinking water or due to fires or explosions. Moderate-level or chronic exposure is more common and those people are often exposed to multiple sources of fluoride, such as in water, air, food and excessive use of toothpaste. Drinking water is actually the most typical and the most significant source of exposure.
With water being a big source of fluoride ingestion it is very important that you have healthy water! Remember that a little bit of fluoride is good for your teeth but when ingested in excess it can be dangerous so let us come and make sure you have healthy water!