And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===================================================== <A HREF="http://www.cadvision.com/fluoride/definit.htm">http://www.cadvision.com/ fluoride/definit.htm</A> DENTAL FLUOROSIS is a diffuse symmetric hypomineralization (irregular calcification) disorder of ameloblasts (enamel-forming cells). Fuorosis is irreversible and only occurs with exposure to fluoride when enamel is developing: •the secondary incisor teeth start forming as a baby (3-6 months old); •molars are developed at six to eight years of age; and, •wisdom teeth are formed by 12 years of age. Instead of being a normal creamy-white translucent color, fluorosed enamel is porous (objectionable secondary staining often occurs) and opaque; teeth can resemble a ghastly-white chalk color (light refractivity is greatly reduced because the enamel’s prism structure is defective). Cloudy striated (lines of demarcation) enamel, white specks or blotches, "snow-capping", yellowish-brown spots, or brown pits on teeth are all characteristic of fluorosis. In its more severe form, fluorosed enamel is structurally weak (brittle) and prone to erosion and breakage, especially when drilled and filled. Even in the milder forms, there is increased enamel attrition. Fluorotic lesions are not just confined to enamel, but can be seen by microscope in dentin as well (dentin is the calcareous tissue beneath enamel). Because fluoride is a powerful bone and tooth seeking element, it also deposits bone or bone-like material externally on the roots of teeth, and internally in the tooth’s pulp chamber; the calcified material narrows the pulp chamber, and thereby interferes with tooth nutrition. The reigning paradigm in public health and dental circles has been to dismiss the significance of dental fluorosis by labelling it a cosmetic effect. However, fluorosis is a toxic manifestation of chronic (low-dose, long-term) fluoride intake. In other words, fluorosis means fluoride poisoning (see Webster's dictionary). Just as a blue-black line appearing on gums signifies chronic lead poisoning, fluorosis is the first visible sign that the whole body has been poisoned by too much fluoride. To prevent fluorosis from occurring in the ten or so most prominent and/or most susceptible teeth, the most critical time to avoid fluoride exposure is the first 3 to 6 years of a child’s life. See flteeth.htm for peer-reviewed abstracts. =================================================== <A HREF="http://www.cadvision.com/fluoride/definit.htm#SKELETAL+FLUOROSIS">http:/ /www.cadvision.com/fluoride/definit.htm#SKELETAL+FLUOROSIS</A> SKELETAL FLUOROSIS is an abnormal increase in bone density. "Endemic skeletal fluorosis is a chronic metabolic bone and joint disease caused by ingesting large amounts of fluoride either through water or rarely from foods of endemic areas. Fluoride is a cumulative toxin which can alter accretion and resorption of bone tissue. It also affects the homeostasis of bone mineral metabolism. The total quantity of ingested fluoride is the single most important factor which determines the clinical course of the disease which is characterized by immobilization of joints of the axial skeleton and of the major joints of the extremities. A combination of osteosclerosis, osteomalacia and osteoporosis of varying degrees as well as exostosis formation characterizes the bone lesions. In a proportion of cases secondary hyperparathyroidism is observed with associated characteristic bone changes. Contrary to earlier thinking, severe crippling forms of skeletal fluorosis are seen in paediatric age group too. Increased metabolic turnover of the bone, impaired bone collagen synthesis and increased avidity for calcium are features in fluoride toxicity. Osteosclerotic picture is evident when small doses of fluoride are ingested over a long period of time during which calcium intakes are apparently normal while osteoporotic forms are common in paediatric age group and with higher body load of the element. Alterations in hormones concerned with bone mineral metabolism are seen in fluorosis. Kidney is the primary organ of excretion for fluorides. Age, sex, calcium intake in the diet, dose and duration of fluoride intake and renal efficiency in fluoride handling are the factors which influence the outcome. Serum parameters rarely help in the diagnosis. Elevated urinary fluoride and increased bone fluoride content are indicators of fluoride toxicity. Fluorosis is a preventable crippling disease. No effective therapeutic agent is available which can cure fluorosis. Industrial fluorosis is on the increase on a global basis. Bone density measurement is a tool for early diagnosis." Source: Krishnamachari KA, Skeletal fluorosis in humans: a review of recent progress in the understanding of the disease, Prog Food Nutr Sci, 1986, 10 (3-4): 279-314 Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
