I was pleased to be informed that the American International Medical University in St Lucia trains its students in the causes, diagnosis, management and prevention of diseases caused by Fluoride bio-accumulation.
Listed problems include: calcification of ligaments, with resulting impairment of muscles and pain. Constriction of vertebral canal and intervertebral foramen exerting pressure on nerves, blood vessels leading to paralysis and pain. Neurological manifestation: Nervousness and depression, tingling sensation in fingers and toes, excessive thirst and tendency to urinate. Loss of muscle power, inability to carry out normal routine activities. Skin rashes, Perivascular inflammation. Effects on foetus: Abortions, still births and children with birth defects are common in endemic areas. Formation of echinocytes by damage to erythrocytes leading to low haemoglobin levels.
Can anyone add to the list of institutions covering this topic in their curricula?
Geoff, you are asking a great question. Let me be more specific; I think the inclusion of fluoride toxicity is particularly important in pediatrics. Imagine what will be the situation if it is not taught in depth in dental curriculum.
J Public Health Dent. 1997 Summer;57(3):150-8.
Acute fluoride toxicity from ingesting home-use dental products in children, birth to 6 years of age.
Shulman JD1, Wells LM.
Author information
1Texas A&M University System, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas 75266-0677, USA. [email protected]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
This paper analyzes reports to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) of suspected overingestion of fluoride by children younger than 6 years of age between 1989 and 1994, and estimates the probably toxic amounts of various home-use fluoride products in children younger than 6 years of age.
METHODS:
Annual incidence rates of reported fluoride exposures attributed to dietary supplements, toothpaste, and rinses were calculated. Probably toxic amounts of each product were calculated using the frequently cited dose of 5 mg/kg.
RESULTS:
Children younger than 6 years of age accounted for more than 80 percent of reports of suspected overingestion. While the outcomes were generally not serious, several hundred children were treated at health care facilities each year. A 10 kg child who ingests 50 mg fluoride (10.1 g 1.1% NaF gel; 32.7 g 0.63% SnF2 gel; 33.3 g 1,500 ppm F toothpaste; 50 g 1,000 ppm F toothpaste; and 221 mL 0.05% NaF rinse) will have ingested a probably toxic dose.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overingestion of fluoride products in the home is preventable. Dentists and other health care providers should educate parents and child care providers about the importance of keeping fluoride products out of reach of children. Manufacturers should be encouraged by the ADA and the FDA to use child-resistant packaging for all fluoride products intended for use in the home.
Geoff Pain Samy Azer Thank you for interresting information.
I was pleased to see that this week Lebanon has banned Fluoridation of Salt. This protection of public health follows an investigation and report by scientists in the Health Sciences faculty of the The American University of Beirut الجامعة الأمريكية في بيروت
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