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Blog Fluoride is a mineral that has important effects on both dental and bone health. This element, which can be found naturally in soil, rock and water sources, provides various health benefits when used in controlled amounts.
Fluoride has a critical role in individual and public health thanks to its functions such as preventing dental caries, maintaining bone density and supporting oral hygiene. However, since excessive intake of fluoride may cause some health risks, it is of great importance to keep its amount at balanced and safe levels.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is the ion form of the element fluorine, denoted by the symbol F in the periodic table, and is found in the structure of various minerals in nature. “What is fluoride?” It can be said that its compounds dissolve in water and can have both positive and negative effects on human health. It is found in pure gas form, but fluoride encountered in daily life is usually in the form of ions in water or minerals.
What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride plays a critical role in dental health as its most recognised benefit. Fluoride ions that penetrate tooth enamel change the structure of hydroxyapatite crystals, making them more durable and resistant to acids. This process strengthens the mineral structure of the tooth enamel and prevents the formation of caries caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. Regular and controlled fluoride exposure, especially during childhood, provides a lasting protective effect on tooth development. Fluoride is also an effective mineral for bone health.
It contributes to the mineralisation process of bone tissue and helps to maintain bone density. This is particularly important in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which occurs with ageing. Fluoride contributes to the stabilisation of hydroxyapatite crystals in bones and increases the mechanical strength of bone tissue. In addition, fluoride also has a positive effect on the microflora in the mouth. By reducing the metabolic activity of harmful bacteria, it reduces acid production and contributes to the maintenance of the pH balance in the mouth. This not only prevents tooth decay but also supports general oral hygiene.
The benefits of fluoride are not limited to individual health. It also has important effects on public health. Regular and safe fluoride use reduces the prevalence of dental caries, reduces dental treatment costs and helps prevent oral health-related complications. Therefore, the correct dose and regular use of fluoride is of critical importance for both individual and public health.
Where is Fluoride Found?
Fluoride is naturally found in soil, rocks and minerals. It can pass into groundwater and be present as dissolved ions in drinking water. Toothpastes, mouthwashes and some food products contain fluoride. In industry, fluoride compounds are used in the production of glass, ceramics and some chemical products. In some regions, fluoride is added to drinking water in a controlled manner to support public health. At home, water purification tap models that offer practical solutions to use purified water with balanced fluoride level directly in the kitchen can be preferred.
What is Fluoride in Water?
Fluoride in water refers to fluoride ions dissolved in drinking water. These ions can be of natural origin or can be added in a controlled manner through water treatment devices. The ratio is important in “What is fluoride in water?“. The ratio should be within certain limits both to protect health and to avoid toxic effects. The amount of fluoride in water sources may vary depending on the regional geological structure.
What are the Benefits of Fluoride?
The most well-known and scientifically proven benefit of fluoride is the prevention of dental caries. Fluoride ions penetrating the tooth enamel strengthen the structure of hydroxyapatite crystals, making them more durable and resistant to acids. In this way, the formation of dental caries is largely prevented. Regular and appropriate amount of fluoride use supports the healthy development of teeth, especially in childhood, and reduces the risk of decay of permanent teeth.
Another important benefit of fluoride is that it supports bone health. It increases bone density by contributing to the mineralisation of bone tissue and provides a protective effect against bone diseases such as osteoporosis. It helps prevent increased bone fragility during the aging process and strengthens the mechanical strength of bones. Some clinical studies show that regular fluoride exposure can increase bone density, especially in postmenopausal women.
The effect of fluoride on oral health is not limited to strengthening tooth enamel. By reducing the metabolic activity of harmful bacteria in the mouth, it reduces acid production and helps maintain pH balance. This effect both prevents tooth decay and reduces the risk of gum diseases. Regular fluoride use maintains the microflora balance in the mouth, strengthens oral hygiene and reduces the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases.
Fluoride is also beneficial for public health. Controlled additions of fluoride to drinking water reduce collective tooth decay rates and reduce the need for dental treatment for individuals. This reduces various burdens on the health system and improves public health in the long term. In addition, the use of fluoride is recognised as an important preventive health measure, especially for children and adults living in low-income areas.
What are the Hazards of Fluoride?
Fluoride can be harmful in excessive amounts. High fluoride exposure can lead to white spots or streaks on the teeth. This condition is called dental fluorosis. Long-term high doses may cause bone diseases such as skeletal fluorosis. In addition, nausea, abdominal pain and systemic effects may occur in some people. Therefore, fluoride consumption should be within recommended limits.
How to Remove Fluoride from Water?
Excess fluoride in water can be removed by various filtration systems. Reverse osmosis method is one of the most effective methods to remove fluoride ions from water. Activated alumina filters can also absorb fluoride and separate it from water. Some ion exchange techniques are also used to reduce the amount of fluoride. The correct selection of water treatment filters and systems ensures that both drinking water is safe and fluoride remains at optimum levels.
What should be the fluoride content in water?
The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water has been determined to protect dental health and avoid adverse effects. The World Health Organisation and other health authorities recommend the amount of fluoride in drinking water between 0.5-1.5 mg per litre. These values are sufficient to prevent dental caries. It also minimises the risk of fluorosis and other health problems. Regional geological differences require control of the natural fluoride content in water and intervention if necessary.
Why Fluoride is Used in Water Treatment?
In water treatment, fluoride is added to water in a controlled and measured manner, especially to support dental health. This practice is a scientifically proven method that has been used for many years in terms of public health. Fluoride penetrates tooth enamel, increases its mineralisation and makes it more resistant to acids. This significantly reduces the occurrence of dental caries. Regular fluoride exposure, especially during childhood, is critical for the healthy development of teeth.
The amount of fluoride added to water is kept at levels safe for individual and public health. Not exceeding this level prevents adverse effects such as dental fluorosis or bone problems. In water treatment, fluoride not only supports dental health but also improves the overall quality of drinking water by maintaining the mineral balance of the water. Controlled addition of fluoride in water treatment plants ensures that the entire population is provided with healthy, safe and mineral balanced water.
In addition, this practice reduces collective health risks by ensuring that individuals, especially those living in low fluoride areas, receive adequate fluoride intake. The use of fluoride in water treatment also provides long-term economic benefits. Reduced dental caries reduces the cost of dental treatment for individuals and prevents additional burden on the healthcare system. In this respect, the addition of fluoride to water is considered a strategic measure in terms of both individual health and public health management. Those who are curious about how systems that remove most of the dissolved substances such as fluoride in water work can take a look at the content “What is reverse osmosis?” for detailed information.
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