Examining the benefits and drawbacks of fluoride usage: a review of literature

Abstract

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in nature that has been utilized as a source of caries prevention. Its inclusion in dental offices, toothpaste, and the water supply in cities across the United States has been a means of caries (dental decay/cavity) prevention, yet its inclusion in these settings has raised concerns and lead to controversy. The purpose of this literature review is to explore research to understand both the benefits as well as the concerns that the use of fluoride in water supply and dental settings presents. The majority of the research indicates that fluoride is beneficial within a certain limit. Having high concentrations of fluoride leads to toxicity, also known as fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, which has cosmetic impacts as it causes opaque white spots on teeth in mild cases, and pits and dark brown streaks on teeth in more severe cases. On the other hand, skeletal fluorosis results in joint pain and difficulty of movement. Excess fluoride also has a rare chance of leading to neurotoxicity if a fetus or a very young infant is exposed to high amounts of it. Despite that, fluoride has presented more benefits than drawbacks as it has been significantly useful in preventing dental decay which many people suffer from worldwide. Most of the research concludes that the benefits of fluoride cannot be dismissed, and it should continue to be incorporated into people’s daily lives if the amount of fluoride intake for the public is moderated to decrease the prevalence of fluorosis.