Fluoride

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FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a trace mineral. It is present in the body in a very small amount. Most fluoride in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Fluoride is any combination of elements containing the fluoride ion. In its elemental form, fluorine is a pale yellow, highly toxic and corrosive gas. In nature, fluorine is found combined with minerals as fluorides. It is the most chemically active nonmetallic element of all the elements and also has the most reactive electro-negative ion. Because of this extreme reactivity, fluorine is never found in nature as an uncombined element.

Fluorine is a member of group VIIa of the periodic table. It readily displaces other halogens—such as chlorine, bromine and iodine—from their mineral salts. With hydrogen it forms hydrogen fluoride gas which, in a water solution, becomes hydrofluoric acid.
In what food source is the nutrient found?
Fluoridated water is the primary source of fluoride. The fluoride content of food depends upon the fluoride content of the soil in which the food was grown. Some infant formulas that are made or mixed with fluoridated water also contain fluoride. Brewed tea can contain significant amounts of fluoride. The amount depends on the amount of tea used, the water fluoridation concentration, and the brewing time. Fish with edible bones, such as canned salmon, also provides some dietary fluoride. Fluoride mouth rinses and toothpastes are sources of fluoride to the outside of the teeth (topical fluoride).
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Although fluoride helps harden the tooth enamel during the time teeth are developing, the main action of fluoride occurs after the teeth have erupted. Water fluoridation has been found to be effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults. Topical fluoride is important in preventing tooth decay in already erupted teeth. It does this by helping to prevent the destruction of the tooth enamel by acid in the mou...