Side-effects of fluoride therapy

Fluoride stimulates bone formation and is used in the treatment of vertebral osteoporosis. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that fluoride bone is denser but not always stronger than normal bone, and the main side-effects attributed to this drug involve bone tissue. True fractures, with cortical rupture, are few (near 5%); their rate seems to correspond to that generally found in osteoporotic patients without treatment. On the other hand, stress fractures and arthralgia of the lower limbs are much more frequent (near 30%), but they often follow a benign course. Digestive tolerance of fluoride is now good, improved by the introduction of gastro-resistant industrial galenicals. However, the question of whether the risk/benefit ratio is positive is always under discussion.