Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

OTHER MINERALS IMPORTANT TO BONE HEALTH 513
naturally in the water, but in most areas, natural levels fall below amounts recommended
for cavity prevention. Other beverages with a high amount of fluoride include teas and grape
juice. Solid foods do not generally contain a large amount of fluoride, although this depends
on the fluoride level of the soil and water it was grown in and whether it was cooked with
fluoridated water. Canned meats and fish that contain bones do contain some fluoride.
Other good non-dietary sources are fluoridated toothpaste and dental rinses.
Figure 9.9. Dietary sources of fluoride include water, tea, shellfish, and fluoridated dental
products such as toothpaste.
Fluoride Deficiency and Toxicity
Since it is a nonessential mineral, there is no defined fluoride requirement, but lower levels
are associated with higher rates of dental cavities in adults and children. This connection is
why so many water supplies are fluoridated.
However, as with all minerals, fluoride can also be quite toxic if consumed in excessive
amounts. Acute toxicity symptoms from large intakes of fluoride include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and convulsions. Chronic toxicity results in an irreversible condition known as
fluorosis, characterized by the mottling (i.e., white speckling) and pitting of the teeth (see
Figure 9.10). Fluorosis is primarily a risk in children, because mineralization of permanent
teeth has typically occurred by age 8. 6
Figure 9.10. A mild case of fluorosis (left) vs. a severe case of fluorosis (right).
Because fluoridated oral care products often taste good, making them appealing to young
children, it is important to make sure infants and children do not consume too much fluoride
by swallowing toothpaste or other oral care products. Recommendations for managing
fluoride intake in children include the following: 7-9
• Do not use any fluoride supplement without talking to your health care provider.