Fluoride in diet

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Overview

Food Sources

Recommendations

Side Effects

Fluoride in diet

Definition:

Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride. Calcium fluoride is mostly found in the bones and teeth.

Alternative Names:

Diet - fluoride

Function:

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridation of tap water helps reduce cavities in children by 50 - 60%. Fluorides also help maintain bone structure. Low doses of fluoride salts may be used to treat conditions that cause faster-than-normal bone loss, such as menopause.

Review Date: 9/2/2005
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Director ICU Quality Improvement, Critical Care Division, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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