Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Fluoride shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Fluoride offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Fluoride at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Fluoride? Wrong! If the Fluoride is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Fluoride then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Fluoride? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Fluoride and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Fluoride wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Fluoride then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Fluoride site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Fluoride, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Fluoride, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
This article is about the chemical ion F −. For the addition of fluoride ions to water supplies, see Water fluoridation.
Fluoride is the ionic form of
fluorine. Fluorides are
organic compounds and
inorganic compounds containing the
chemical element fluorine. As a
halogen, fluorine forms a monovalent ion (−1 charge). Fluoride forms a binary compound with another element or radical. Examples of fluoride compounds include
hydrofluoric acid (HF), sodium fluoride (NaF) and
calcium fluoride (CaF2), and
uranium hexafluoride (UF6).
Occurrence
Fluoride compounds, usually calcium fluoride, are naturally found in low concentration in drinking water and some foods, such as tea,
seaweed, and fish bones (as in fish soup).
Water with underground sources are more likely to have higher levels of fluoride, while the total concentration in seawater has an average concentration of 1.3 parts per million (ppm). Fluoride in Drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. World Health Organization, 2004, page 2. Page accessed on February 22, 2007. Fresh water supplies generally contain between 0.01-0.3 ppm, while the ocean contains between 1.2 and 1.5 ppm. Environmental Health Criteria 227: Fluorides. World Health Organization, 2002, page 38. Page accessed on February 22, 2007.
Applications
Hydrofluoric acid is used in the etching of
glass and other industrial applications, including
integrated circuit manufacturing.
Fluoride, as a concentrated gel, foam, or varnish, is used as a prescription drug.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fluoridation - Other fluoride products. Page accessed on March 22, 2007. Fluorine is also part of certain drug molecules to resist detoxification in the liver by the
Cytochrome P450 oxidase because the strong C-F bonds are not easily broken. This is to ensure that orally administered medication are not inactivated before reaching the blood stream.
Fluoride ion has a very significant use in
organic synthesis organic chemistry. The
silicon-fluorine chemical bond is quite strong.
Silyl ether protecting groups can be easily removed by the addition of fluoride ion. Sodium fluoride or tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) are the most common reagents used.
In
biochemistry, fluoride salts are commonly used to inhibit the activity of
serine/
threonine phosphatases.
Sulfur hexafluoride is a nearly-inert, non-toxic propellant. Uranium hexafluoride is used in the separation of isotopes of uranium between the
nuclear fission isotope U-235 and the non-fissile isotope U-238 in preparation of nuclear reactor
nuclear fuel and
atomic bombs.
Water fluoridation
Fluoride containing compounds such as sodium fluoride, calcium fluoride, and
sodium monofluorophosphate are commonly added to
toothpaste, drinking water, prescribed treatments, and other commercially available oral hygiene products because fluoride increases the resistance of the
tooth enamel to decay. Originally,
sodium fluoride was used to fluoridate water; however, hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) are more commonly used, especially in the United States.
Some studies suggest that fluoridation is associated with a median decline in the number of children with cavities of 12.5%, and a median decline of 2.25 teeth with cavities. The fluoridation of water is not without critics, however (see
Water fluoridation controversy).
Salt fluoridation
In countries where large, centralized water systems are uncommon, salt fluoridation is sometimes used as an alternative to water fluoridation. In countries where salt fluoridation is common, such as Switzerland, France, and Jamaica, among many others, caries experience has also decreased in groups using fluoridated salt compared to groups using salt without fluoride.
Toxicology
Acute
In high concentrations, fluoride compounds are toxic and can cause death. In mice, the
LD50 is estimated to be 184 milligrams of
stannous fluoride per kilogram of body mass. Tin(II) Fluoride MSDS An individual report involving fatality following the accidental administration of fluoride ion to a child at 5 mg/kg was cited by G. M. Whitford in 1987, while after experimenting on himself in 1899, Herbert H Baldwin reported symptoms of
acute toxicity (e.g.
gastrointestinal upset) occurred at doses as low as 0.1-0.3 mg/kg.
When ingested directly, fluoride compounds are readily absorbed by the intestines. Over time, the compound is excreted through the urine, and the
half life for concentration of fluorine compounds is on an order of hours. It is thought that fluoride is taken out of circulation by the body and trace amounts become bound in bone. Urine tests are a good indication of high exposure to fluoride compounds in the recent past.
Skin or eye contact with many fluoride compounds in high concentrations is dangerous. In case of accidental swallowing, milk, calcium carbonate, or milk of magnesia is given to slow absorption. Eye or skin contact is treated by removing any contaminated clothing and flushing with water.
Chronic
Fluoride ions replace
hydroxide ions in
calcium hydroxyapatite, Ca5, in teeth, forming Fluoroapatite, Ca5, which is more chemically stable and dissolves at a
pH of 4.5, compared to 5.5 pH for calcium hydroxyapatite. This is generally believed to lead to fewer cavities, since stronger acids are needed to attack the tooth enamel. In 1951, Joseph C. Muhler and Harry G. Day of Indiana University (Bloomington) reported their research results on stannous fluoride as a tooth decay preventive and the university first sold the technology to Procter & Gamble to use in Crest toothpaste. Groups that have evaluated available studies and support water fluoridation include The American Dental Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO), and some other health organizations which recommend raising the fluoride level of municipal water supplies to a level between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm.
The most widely accepted adverse effect of low concentration fluoridation at this time is
Dental fluorosis . It is a condition caused by 'excessive' intake of fluorine compounds over an extended period of time, and can cause yellowing of teeth. The definition of 'excessive' in the context of fluorosis falls on the order of parts per million and is
generally accepted to mean significantly higher than the 0.7 to 1.2 ppm amounts recommended for fluoridated water. However, dosage is crucial to adverse effects, and therefore, what concentration is problematic will depend on the amount of fluoride ingested, how much is absorbed, and the weight of the person ingesting it. For this reason, many doctors have advised against using fluoridated water to make up formula for infants.
Contested claims
Some opponents of fluoridation have expressed concern that fluoride damages body function. One of the key concerns is that fluoride can weaken bone strength, leading to an increase in hip and wrist fracture Colquhoun, John. Why I Changed My Mind about Fluoridation', Perspectives in Biology & Medicine 1997;41,27-44. Page accessed 23 February, 2007.. Additional concerns of fluoridation opponents include the potential for fluoride to damage the brainNational Research Council. Neurotoxicity and Neurobehavioral effects' Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards (2006). Page accessed 23 February, 2007., reduce thyroid functionNational Research Council. Effects of the Endocrine System' Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards (2006). Page accessed 23 February, 2007., and cause bone cancer in adolescent boysEnvironmental Working Group. Harvard Study: Strong Link Between Fluoridated Water and Bone Cancer in Boys' April 5, 2006. Page accessed 23 February, 2007.. While a recent review from the US National Research Council supports concerns that fluoride may cause some of these effects, at least at high dosesNational Research Council. Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards Page accessed 23 February, 2007., however, more than 100 national and international health service agencies and professional organizations continue to accept that there are benefits of community water fluoridation in preventing dental decay. National and International Organizations that Support Fluoride, from the Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health website, page accessed March 19, 2006.
See also
References
This article is about the chemical ion F −. For the addition of fluoride ions to water supplies, see Water fluoridation.
Fluoride is the ionic form of
fluorine. Fluorides are
organic compounds and
inorganic compounds containing the
chemical element fluorine. As a
halogen, fluorine forms a monovalent ion (−1 charge). Fluoride forms a binary compound with another element or radical. Examples of fluoride compounds include
hydrofluoric acid (HF), sodium fluoride (NaF) and
calcium fluoride (CaF2), and
uranium hexafluoride (UF6).
Occurrence
Fluoride compounds, usually
calcium fluoride, are naturally found in low concentration in drinking water and some foods, such as
tea,
seaweed, and fish bones (as in fish soup).
Water with underground sources are more likely to have higher levels of fluoride, while the total concentration in seawater has an average concentration of 1.3
parts per million (ppm). Fluoride in Drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. World Health Organization, 2004, page 2. Page accessed on February 22, 2007. Fresh water supplies generally contain between 0.01-0.3 ppm, while the ocean contains between 1.2 and 1.5 ppm. Environmental Health Criteria 227: Fluorides. World Health Organization, 2002, page 38. Page accessed on February 22, 2007.
Applications
Hydrofluoric acid is used in the etching of glass and other industrial applications, including integrated circuit manufacturing.
Fluoride, as a concentrated gel, foam, or varnish, is used as a
prescription drug.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fluoridation - Other fluoride products. Page accessed on March 22, 2007. Fluorine is also part of certain drug molecules to resist detoxification in the liver by the Cytochrome P450 oxidase because the strong C-F bonds are not easily broken. This is to ensure that orally administered medication are not inactivated before reaching the blood stream.
Fluoride ion has a very significant use in
organic synthesis organic chemistry. The silicon-fluorine chemical bond is quite strong.
Silyl ether protecting groups can be easily removed by the addition of fluoride ion.
Sodium fluoride or tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) are the most common reagents used.
In biochemistry, fluoride salts are commonly used to inhibit the activity of
serine/
threonine phosphatases.
Sulfur hexafluoride is a nearly-inert, non-toxic propellant. Uranium hexafluoride is used in the separation of isotopes of uranium between the
nuclear fission isotope
U-235 and the non-fissile isotope
U-238 in preparation of nuclear reactor
nuclear fuel and
atomic bombs.
Water fluoridation
Fluoride containing compounds such as sodium fluoride, calcium fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate are commonly added to toothpaste, drinking water, prescribed treatments, and other commercially available oral hygiene products because fluoride increases the resistance of the tooth enamel to decay. Originally,
sodium fluoride was used to fluoridate water; however, hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) are more commonly used, especially in the United States.
Some studies suggest that fluoridation is associated with a median decline in the number of children with cavities of 12.5%, and a median decline of 2.25 teeth with cavities. The fluoridation of water is not without critics, however (see Water fluoridation controversy).
Salt fluoridation
In countries where large, centralized water systems are uncommon, salt fluoridation is sometimes used as an alternative to water fluoridation. In countries where salt fluoridation is common, such as Switzerland, France, and Jamaica, among many others, caries experience has also decreased in groups using fluoridated salt compared to groups using salt without fluoride.
Toxicology
Acute
In high concentrations, fluoride compounds are toxic and can cause death. In mice, the LD50 is estimated to be 184 milligrams of stannous fluoride per kilogram of body mass. Tin(II) Fluoride MSDS An individual report involving fatality following the accidental administration of fluoride ion to a child at 5 mg/kg was cited by G. M. Whitford in 1987, while after experimenting on himself in 1899, Herbert H Baldwin reported symptoms of acute toxicity (e.g. gastrointestinal upset) occurred at doses as low as 0.1-0.3 mg/kg.
When ingested directly, fluoride compounds are readily absorbed by the intestines. Over time, the compound is excreted through the urine, and the
half life for concentration of fluorine compounds is on an order of hours. It is thought that fluoride is taken out of circulation by the body and trace amounts become bound in bone. Urine tests are a good indication of high exposure to fluoride compounds in the recent past.
Skin or eye contact with many fluoride compounds in high concentrations is dangerous. In case of accidental swallowing,
milk, calcium carbonate, or
milk of magnesia is given to slow absorption. Eye or skin contact is treated by removing any contaminated clothing and flushing with water.
Chronic
Fluoride ions replace hydroxide ions in calcium hydroxyapatite, Ca5, in teeth, forming
Fluoroapatite, Ca5, which is more chemically stable and dissolves at a
pH of 4.5, compared to 5.5 pH for calcium hydroxyapatite. This is generally believed to lead to fewer cavities, since stronger acids are needed to attack the tooth enamel. In 1951, Joseph C. Muhler and Harry G. Day of Indiana University (Bloomington) reported their research results on stannous fluoride as a tooth decay preventive and the university first sold the technology to Procter & Gamble to use in Crest toothpaste. Groups that have evaluated available studies and support water fluoridation include The American Dental Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO), and some other health organizations which recommend raising the fluoride level of municipal water supplies to a level between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm.
The most widely accepted adverse effect of low concentration fluoridation at this time is
Dental fluorosis . It is a condition caused by 'excessive' intake of fluorine compounds over an extended period of time, and can cause yellowing of teeth. The definition of 'excessive' in the context of fluorosis falls on the order of parts per million and is
generally accepted to mean significantly higher than the 0.7 to 1.2 ppm amounts recommended for fluoridated water. However, dosage is crucial to adverse effects, and therefore, what concentration is problematic will depend on the amount of fluoride ingested, how much is absorbed, and the weight of the person ingesting it. For this reason, many doctors have advised against using fluoridated water to make up formula for infants.
Contested claims
Some opponents of fluoridation have expressed concern that fluoride damages body function. One of the key concerns is that fluoride can weaken bone strength, leading to an increase in hip and wrist fracture Colquhoun, John. Why I Changed My Mind about Fluoridation', Perspectives in Biology & Medicine 1997;41,27-44. Page accessed 23 February, 2007.. Additional concerns of fluoridation opponents include the potential for fluoride to damage the brainNational Research Council. Neurotoxicity and Neurobehavioral effects' Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards (2006). Page accessed 23 February, 2007., reduce thyroid functionNational Research Council. Effects of the Endocrine System' Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards (2006). Page accessed 23 February, 2007., and cause bone cancer in adolescent boysEnvironmental Working Group. Harvard Study: Strong Link Between Fluoridated Water and Bone Cancer in Boys' April 5, 2006. Page accessed 23 February, 2007.. While a recent review from the US National Research Council supports concerns that fluoride may cause some of these effects, at least at high dosesNational Research Council. Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards Page accessed 23 February, 2007., however, more than 100 national and international health service agencies and professional organizations continue to accept that there are benefits of community water fluoridation in preventing dental decay. National and International Organizations that Support Fluoride, from the Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health website, page accessed March 19, 2006.
See also
References
Fluoride - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fluoride is the reduced form of fluorine. Both organic and inorganic compounds containing the element fluorine are considered fluorides. As a halogen, fluorine forms a monovalent ...
Fluoride poisoning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In high concentrations, soluble fluoride salts are mildly toxic: 5-10 grams of sodium fluoride are required to kill most adult humans; a lethal dose is approximately 70 mg per ...
British Dental Health Foundation
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and in all drinking water. The amount of Fluoride in the water varies from area to area.
Food Standards Agency - Eat well, be well - Fluoride
Fluoride is a trace element found widely in the environment. It's in all animals and plants and in water. Very small amounts are also in the air we breathe.
BBC NEWS | Health | Should fluoride be forced upon us?
The BBC News website looks at the scientific and ethical issues surrounding adding fluoride to water.
BBC NEWS | Health | Ministers launch fluoride drive
Health Secretary Alan Johnson calls for fluoride to be added to England's water supplies to tackle tooth decay.
Fluoride and Oral Health - School of Dental Sciences - Newcastle ...
Fluoride and Oral Health. Fluoride is undoubtedly the most effective agent in the prevention of dental caries. However, if excess is ingested during the development of the ...
Fluoride Introduction - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct
Natural mineral found in some foods ... Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in water and some foods.
DWI Consumer concerns - Fluoride
Fluoridation of Drinking Water . Introduction. Fluoridation is the term used to describe the addition of a fluoride chemical to water supplies to raise the fluoride level to ...
Yorkshire Water :: Fluoride and the fluoridation of water supplies
Yorkshire Water, a subsidiary of Kelda, provides water and waste water services to domestic and business customers across Yorkshire. Visit our website for information on meter ...
