Flouride is an essential nutrient that plays a major role in your dental and bone health. It is a trace mineral which means it is naturally present in our bodies. It is also naturally occurring in the environment but in most countries, it is purposefully added to drinking water supplies. Why Do We Need Fluoride? Fluoride plays an important role in strengthening tooth enamel and is more resistant to cavities. It also reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria on teeth, which in turn reduces plaque. Intresitnly, this mineral also helps reverse early decay and remineralize tooth enamel. Fluoride stimulates new bone formation, thereby, playing a pivotal role in the skeletal system.What Happens If Your Body Does Not Get Enough Floride?It is also important in protecting bones from mineral loss, as in osteoporosis. Important sources of fluoride are drinking water, mouthwash, toothpaste and supplements. However, on the contrary, daily intake of high amounts of fluoride has been associated with fluorosis, discolouration and mottling of the teeth during development.Drinking Water Is Most Important Source Of Flouride Like in the case of all minerals, food is the most important source of fluoride. Fruits and vegetables like watermelons, cherries, potatoes, black tea and black coffee contain this mineral. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fluoride intake from drinking water is 0.03–0.68 mg/day and from toothpaste 0.2–0.3 mg/day. Other sources include mechanically deboned poultry, mouthwash, processed cereals, seafood, seaweed, tea, and toothpaste. What Happens When You Consume Excessive Flouride? Some risks of excessive fluoride exposure include dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, and neurological problems. Dental Fluorosis: This condition is characterized by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation. A person may see white patches on their teeth. A cosmetic treatment is needed to cure it. Skeletal Fluorosis: Skeletal fluorosis affects your bones and joints. It can cause pain, stiffness and bone deformities.Thyroid Issues: A study conducted by researchers in the UK found a positive association between fluoride concentration in drinking water and the prevalence of hypothyroidism. Another study found that adults living in areas with water fluoride levels above 0.7 mg/L were 1.6 times more likely to have hypothyroidism than those living in areas with lower fluoride levels.Neurological problems: Excess of fluoride can accumulate in your brain, leading to neurotoxicity. It can also cause degenerative changes in brain and spinal cord.