Fluorine in Food
Description
The usual form of fluorine in our bodies is fluoride. Populations with a low intake of fluoride (about 1.2 milligrams per day for adults) have more dental decay (cariesFind out more about this term) than those with a higher intake (3.5 to 4.5 milligrams per day for adults). The fluoridation of public water supplies in low fluoride areas has significantly reduced decay in these areas. The fluoride content of a water supply is often described by the term 'parts per million' (ppm). 1 ppm = 0.1 milligram per 100 millilitres. About 1 ppm seems to be the optimal level of fluoride in the water supply; a litre of such water would provide 1 milligram of fluoride. At 2 ppm, mottling of tooth enamel may occur. The condition of 'fluorosis' or excessive deposition of fluoride in bones, with associated skeleton deformities, is only present after prolonged consumption of 20 to 80 milligrams of fluoride per day.
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