What is fluoride deficiency?
Fluoride deficiency is rare, since most people get adequate amounts from food and fluoridated tap water. A fluoride deficiency can lead to dental caries (tooth decay) and potentially bone problems. Most public water supplies have added fluoride, which helps meet the requirements of fluoride in the body for dental health.
Common fluoride deficiency symptoms:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Tooth damage
What causes a fluoride deficiency?
- Drinking non-fluoridated water
- Not using fluoride toothpaste/dental products
Further reading: Harvard School of Public Health (1)(2), National Institutes of Health