Fluoride
Sodium Fluoride , Monofluorophosphate
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NUTRIENT FACTS
Nutrient Type
YES
ATC Code
No
Deficiency Diseases
No
Dietary Sources
YES
Summary
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of teeth, making it more resistant to decay. It also helps repair early stages of tooth decay before it becomes a cavity, ensuring strong and healthy teeth throughout life.
You can get fluoride from drinking water, which is often fluoridated to prevent tooth decay. Tea and seafood are natural sources. Dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinses are also fortified with fluoride.
Not having enough fluoride can lead to dental health issues, such as an increased risk of cavities and tooth decay. This is because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, which protects teeth from decay.
The recommended fluoride intake for adults is around 3-4 mg per day. The upper limit is generally 10 mg per day. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the right amount for you.
Fluoride supplements are generally safe, but excessive intake can be harmful, leading to dental or skeletal fluorosis, which affects teeth and bones. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fluoride do?
Fluoride is a mineral that plays a crucial role in dental health. It helps strengthen tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of teeth, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride also helps repair early stages of tooth decay before it becomes a cavity. This mineral is important for maintaining strong and healthy teeth throughout life.
How can I get Fluoride from my diet?
Fluoride is found in various sources. Drinking water is often fluoridated to help prevent tooth decay. Tea and seafood are natural sources of fluoride. Some dental products, like toothpaste and mouth rinses, are fortified with fluoride. The absorption of fluoride can be affected by factors like diet and water source. It's important to ensure adequate fluoride intake for dental health.
How does Fluoride affect my health?
Fluoride deficiency can lead to dental health issues, such as an increased risk of cavities and tooth decay. This is because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of teeth. Children are particularly at risk for fluoride deficiency, as their teeth are still developing. Ensuring adequate fluoride intake is important for maintaining strong and healthy teeth.
Who can have low levels of Fluoride?
Children are most at risk for fluoride deficiency, as they need adequate fluoride for developing strong teeth. People living in areas with low fluoride levels in drinking water may also be at risk. Additionally, individuals who do not use fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride-containing dental products might not get enough fluoride to protect their teeth.
What diseases can Fluoride treat?
Fluoride is primarily used to prevent dental cavities. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is often added to public water supplies and dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinses. The evidence supporting fluoride's role in preventing cavities is strong and well-documented.
How do I know if I have low levels of Fluoride?
Diagnosing fluoride deficiency is not common, as it primarily affects dental health. There are no specific blood tests for fluoride deficiency. Instead, dental examinations can reveal signs of deficiency, such as increased cavities or weakened enamel. If fluoride deficiency is suspected, a dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or dietary adjustments to ensure adequate intake.
How much supplement of Fluoride should I take?
The daily requirement for fluoride varies by age. For children aged 1-3 years, it's about 0.7 mg per day. For adults, the recommended intake is around 3-4 mg per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need slightly more. The upper limit for adults is generally 10 mg per day. It's important to get the right amount of fluoride to maintain dental health without exceeding safe levels.
Will supplements of Fluoride interfere with my prescription medicines?
Fluoride supplements do not have well-documented interactions with prescription medications. However, it is always important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications. This ensures that there are no potential interactions that could affect the absorption or effectiveness of your medications.
Is taking too much of Fluoride harmful?
Excessive fluoride intake can be harmful. It can lead to dental fluorosis, which causes changes in the appearance of tooth enamel, and skeletal fluorosis, which affects bones and joints. The tolerable upper intake level for fluoride varies by age, but for adults, it is generally around 10 mg per day. It's important to avoid unnecessary fluoride supplementation and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about fluoride intake.
What is the best supplement for Fluoride?
Fluoride is available in several chemical forms, including sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. Sodium fluoride is commonly used in water fluoridation and dental products. Stannous fluoride is often found in toothpaste and has additional benefits for gum health. Both forms are effective in preventing cavities, but stannous fluoride may cause staining in some cases. The choice between forms depends on specific dental needs and product availability.
Content of Selected Foods
| Food | Milligrams (mg) per serving | Percent DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Tea, black, brewed, 1 cup* | 0.07 to 1.5* | - |
| Coffee, brewed, 1 cup* | 0.22* | - |
| Shrimp, canned, 3 ounces | 0.17 | - |
| Bottled water with added fluoride, 1 cup | ≤0.17 | - |
| Raisins, ¼ cup | 0.08 | - |
| Oatmeal, cooked, ½ cup* | 0.08* | - |
| Grapefruit juice, ¾ cup | 0.08 | - |
| Potatoes, russet, baked, 1 medium | 0.08 | - |
| Rice, cooked, ½ cup* | 0.04* | - |
| Cottage cheese, ½ cup | 0.04 | - |
| Pork chop, baked, 3 ounces | 0.03 | - |
| Yogurt, plain, low-fat, 1 cup | 0.03 | - |
| Lamb chop, cooked, 3 ounces | 0.03 | - |
| Tortilla, flour, 1 tortilla, approx. 10” diameter | 0.02 | - |
| Corn, canned, ½ cup | 0.02 | - |
| Beef, cooked, 3 ounces | 0.02 | - |
| Tuna, light, canned in water, 3 ounces | 0.02 | - |
| Cheese, cheddar, 1½ ounces | 0.01 | - |
| Bread, white or whole wheat, 1 slice | 0.01 | - |
| Asparagus, cooked, 4 spears | 0.01 | - |
| Chicken, cooked, 3 ounces | 0.01 | - |
| Milk, fat-free or 1%, 1 cup | 0.01 | - |
| Apple, raw, with skin, 1 medium | 0.01 | - |
| Avocado, raw, ½ cup sliced | 0.01 | - |
| Macaroni, plain, cooked, ½ cup* | 0.00* | - |
| Tomato, raw, 1 medium | 0.00 | - |
| Banana, 1 medium | 0.00 | - |
| Egg, cooked, 1 large | 0.00 | - |
| Carrots, raw, 1 medium | 0.00 | - |
| Peanut butter, 1 tbsp | 0.00 | - |
- * Amounts of fluoride might vary by levels in the water used to prepare these foods and beverages.
Required (or Advised) Daily Intake
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 0.01 | 0.01 | - | - |
| 7–12 months | 0.5 | 0.5 | - | - |
| 1–3 years | 0.7 | 0.7 | - | - |
| 4–8 years | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| 9–13 years | 2 | 2 | - | - |
| 14+ years | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
