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Curse of Fluorosis
M M Patil1, Bhavana B Lakhkar2, Shailaja S Patil3
1Department of Pediatrics, BLDE University's Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapur, Karnataka, 586103, India. mmp076@gmail.com.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 4, 2018
Summary
Fluoride prevents cavities but excessive intake causes irreversible fluorosis. Prevention through safe water sources and public health programs is crucial for managing this health problem.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fluoride's caries preventive properties led to widespread water fluoridation and increased use in consumer products since the 1940s.
- Inadvertent exposure and naturally high environmental fluoride levels have escalated fluorosis into a significant public health concern.
- Fluorosis, encompassing dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal forms, results from excessive fluoride accumulation and is irreversible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the dual nature of fluoride, emphasizing its benefits in caries prevention while addressing the risks of fluorosis.
- To underscore the importance of maintaining optimal fluoride levels for health.
- To review the public health strategies and challenges in managing fluorosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical use of fluoride in public health and consumer products.
- Analysis of the etiology and clinical manifestations of fluorosis.
- Examination of public health initiatives, including the National Program for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).
Main Results:
- Widespread fluoride use has inadvertently increased fluorosis prevalence.
- High natural fluoride levels in water contribute significantly to the risk of fluorosis.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a permissible fluoride limit of 1.5 mg/L in drinking water.
Conclusions:
- Fluorosis is an irreversible condition, making prevention the primary management strategy.
- Prevention involves using alternative water sources, water defluoridation, and improving drinking water quality.
- Public health programs and improved nutritional status are key components in controlling fluorosis.
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