Fluoride is often called as double edge sword. Less ingestion of fluoride and excessive intake of it can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis which is called as fluoride toxicity.
Acute fluoride toxicity result from rapid excessive ingestion of fluoride at one time.
Symptoms of acute toxicity: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, increased salivation, dehydration and thirst.
Chronic fluoride toxicity: An intake of fluoride is above 2ppm Symptoms of chronic toxicity: mottling of enamel and discoloration of teeth.
The main source of fluoride is contaminated ground water. The fluoride present in ground water due to rock which are rich in fluoride. vitamins, dietary supplements and dental product are also source of it.
More than 20,000 people are toxicated due to over ingestion of fluoride among them:90% are young children,5%show minor symptoms and 2%were treated in health care facility, and few cases with life threatening symptoms death.
Treatment of fluorosis varies with severity.it may be bleaching, composite, reiteration.
In conclusion, it can be said that high concentration of fluoride is hazardous for our teeth, bones, liver, stomach, kidney, brain and even to the developing fetus. thus, it is necessary to know about this slow white poison for a safe and healthy life.