Advances in Dental Research, Vol 8, 32-38, Copyright © 1994 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Non-dental tissue effects of fluoride
M. Kleerekoper
Division of Endocrinology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
The anti-caries effects of water fluoridation are well-established. The
non-dental tissue effects of fluoride in drinking water, either naturally
occurring or as an additive, have been too poorly studied to permit
definitive conclusions to be drawn. Claims have been made that fluoride
results in an increased occurrence of malignancies, particularly osteogenic
sarcoma. Experimental rat data have not resolved this issue, and
epidemiologic studies are equally unclear. Initial claims that fluoride
offers protection against atherosclerosis remain viable, but here too, much
more directed research is needed. Early studies suggested that a water
fluoride content greater than 1 ppm resulted in a lower prevalence of
osteoporotic fractures. Recent epidemiologic data seriously question this
conclusion and raise the possibility that even this relatively low level
may increase the prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures. Other elements,
including calcium and magnesium, also vary in amount as water fluoride
content varies, and it has proved difficult to distinguish the independent
effects of the various nutrients in water from each other. Therapeutic use
of fluoride has been largely restricted to studies of its effect on the
osteoporotic study, this important issue remains unresolved. This review
provides an overview of these issues, focusing on the uncertainties alluded
to, and attempting to develop strategies for future research.
