Fluoride Sources and Functions
Fluoride, a trace mineral, works with all of the nutrient minerals to keep you healthy. Here is a summary of its role in keeping you feeling well.
*The lower value is for infants up to 6 mos., higher value is for infants up to a year old.
Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Look Ma, no cavities! The only well-established function of fluoride in the body is in the prevention of dental cavities. For this reason, many communities add it to their municipal water supply. The mineral forms part of the crystals in the bones and teeth, making them stronger and the teeth more resistant to decay. There is some evidence that where fluoride is lacking in the water supply, dental cavities are more common Controversy Fluoride is probably the most controversial of the minerals. Some health experts do not consider it an essential mineral, because it is not required for growth and development. Entire websites have been devoted to the evils of fluoridation of water, and this trace mineral is portrayed as no less than a poison. It is difficult to know how to maintain a balance between getting enough to protect your teeth and bones, but not so much that it will have deleterious effects on your health. Fun Fact: If you type the word fluoride into a search engine, you will find an equal number of sites that tell you how and why to get enough, as sites which tell you how and why to avoid it. What’s a consumer to do? Toothpaste Fluoride is added to many brands of toothpaste, as a way to help prevent cavities. The assumption is that you will spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it. However, children under the age of 6 should be supervised when brushing their teeth, since kids in that age group are more likely to use too much and to swallow the toothpaste. Too much Ironically, if you get too much fluoride it will show up in your teeth in the form of discoloration and pitting, a condition called “fluorosis.” The incidence of flourosis has increased, most likely due to its presence in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. Not much in food Only a few foods are known to have flouride. These include tea, grape juice, sardines and chicken. Some water supplies have naturally occurring flouride, and it is added to municipal water supplies in many localities. Bottled water is generally not a significant source.
Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Interesting Fact: If you filter your water using reverse osmosis or distillation, most of the flouride will be removed from the water. However, charcoal type filters, such as those hooked to the faucet or used in a pitcher, do not remove it.
Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Healthy Eating Minerals Upper Level The upper intake level for flouride that has been established is 10 mg per day.
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