There has always been a bit more controversy over fluoride as a mineral more than any other one. Most of the controversy has to do with a constant debate about whether or not it is a good idea to add fluoride to the public’s drinking water. There are benefits and there are drawbacks, and many people feel the drawbacks outweigh the benefit’s a great deal.

Fluoride is not considered to be one of the essential minerals of the body, but it plays a large role in healthy bones and strong, healthy teeth. If the name ‘Fluoride’ sounds familiar to you, it is probably because it is one of the leading ingredients in toothpaste; it helps to protect teeth from early decay. It prevents acid from being able to stick to and tear away at the enamel on the outside of the teeth that protects it from bacteria. This bacteria causes the beginnings of cavities and tooth decay, but brushing with fluoride can give your teeth the ability to resist these acids.

Surprisingly enough, although Fluoride is not one of the body’s most essential minerals, it does aid in the process of demineralization, which is the process of restoring lost minerals to the body. The body loses minerals in a variety of ways, including sweat and defecation, so these minerals must be restored. Fluoride even helps the bones hold on to minerals, which helps to protect the bones from osteoporosis–which can lead to brittle, easily broken bones. Because fluoride is not essential the body, no recommended daily amount for this mineral has been established, although people usually consume between 1.5 and 2.5 milligrams per day, with no effort.

Getting fluoride into the body usually requires little or no effort. It is found in most good toothpaste and it is even found in fluoridated drinking water, although it is not usually found in most of the foods you eat every day. Canned fish, like salmon, is an excellent source of fluoride in food, however. In some cases, although rare, a dentist may prescribe fluoride treatments to treat tooth decay.

Usually this is not the case, especially with children as an excess amount of fluoride in the body can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is mottling of the teeth, which can cause the teeth to yellow. Fluoride can even do against what it is designed to do, and lead to brittle bones and teeth if taken in excess amounts, so there is no need to go out of one’s way (in most cases) to ensure that the body gets enough fluoride. Fluorosis is what causes the drinking water debate, based on the idea that adding too much could cause illness, and it was not worth the risk.

Fluoride deficiencies don’t occur often, but when they do they are characterized by dental cavities, weakened enamel on the teeth, soft bones, and even osteoporosis may all be signs of a fluoride deficiency.

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