Fluorosis

1. Dental Fluorosis : characterized by the presence of various enamel defects and lesions such as mottling, hypoplasia, hypocalcification and increased wear

2. Skeletal Fluorosis : characterized by hyperostosis, osteopetrosis, and osteoporosis

3. Non-skeletal Fluorosis

It is a crippling and painful disease that effects humans and animals, caused by the intake of fluoride. Fluoride can enter the body through drinking water, food, toothpaste and other dental products; drugs, and also from fluoride dust and fumes from industries using flouride salts or hydrofluoric acid.

Skeletal Flourosis has three phases:

• Phase 1 : sporadic pain; stiffness of joints; osteosclerosis of pelvis and vertebral column
• Phase 2 : chronic joint pain; arthritic symptoms; slight calcification of ligaments; increased cancellous bones; osteoporosis of long bones
• Phase 3 (Crippling Skeletal Fluorosis) : limitation of joint movement; calcification of ligaments/neck and vertebral column; crippling deformities of spine and major joints; muscle wasting; neurological defects; compression of spinal cord

Calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and anti-oxidants are the most important nutrients needed to combat fluorosis. Children are at high risk of contracting flourosis if their fluoride intake is too great during their developmental years. Malnourished people are also at risk due to their lack of the previously mentioned vitamins and minerals.

Fluoride is good for your teeth, but too much can be extremely detrimental. Some professionals think the tooth decay fluoride prevents is not worth the risk of illness.