Abstract
Fluoride is considered the corner stone of the preventive dentistry. Fluoride has
both beneficial and detrimental effects on human health. In terms of dental health,
the prevalence of dental caries is inversely related to the concentration of fluoride
in drinking water; while there is a dose-response relationship between the concentration
of fluoride in drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis. Fluoride has
a statistically significant association with a wide range of adverse effects like
increased risk of bone fractures, decreased thyroid function, and lowered intelligent
quotient, arthritic-like condition, early puberty and possibly, osteosarcoma. The
aim of the present review is to discuss the current status of fluorides in dentistry
in view of its benefits and adverse effects.
Keywords
Adverse effects - caries - dentistry - fluorides
