Q: Which specialist doctor to consult for skeletal fluorosis?
A: You can consult an orthopedician to treat skeletal fluorosis.
Q: Why do we add fluoride to drinking water?
A: Fluoride is added to the drinking water supply because it reduces the prevalence of tooth decay in the community. Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children that require regular dental checks, so adding fluoride can offer benefits to those who need them. However, concerns have arisen regarding fluoride’s effect on health.
Q: What is fluoride poisoning?
A: Acute, high-level exposure to fluoride can lead to fluoride poisoning. Abdominal pain, excessive salivation, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and muscle spasms are the symptoms. It is most likely to happen in cases of accidental contamination of drinking water, due to an industrial fire or explosion.
Q: What is non-skeletal fluorosis?
A: Non-skeletal forms of fluorosis are the earlier symptoms that develop before the onset of changes in teeth and bone. Abdominal pain, vomiting and excessive salivation are the main symptoms.
Q: Can skeletal fluorosis be genetic?
A: A person’s genetic background could play a role in influencing the risk of fluorosis when other factors like environmental exposures including dietary patterns of fluoride intake and other nutrients remain the same.
Q: Is it possible to reverse skeletal fluorosis effects?
A: It is possible to reverse skeletal fluorosis when there is access to safe, non-fluoridated water and dietary changes. However, the outcome differs among individuals.
