Abstract

Fluoridation is a very common problem all over India but in Rajasthan it is up to threat level because excess of fluoride is available in drinking water. Fluoride is beneficial for health if the concentration of the fluoride ion (CF) in drinking water is less than 1.5 mg/L (WHO 1994). Intake of fluoride above 1.5 mg/L may lead to serious manifestations like dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal fluorosis. People living in high fluoride zone can make certain changes in their diet; it may help them to keep away the problem of fluorosis.Vitamin C inhibits the progress of fluorosis.Thus people should be directed to add items like amla, lemon, oranges, tomato, sprouted cereals/pulses and dhainya leaves in their food. Clinical data indicate that adequate calcium intake is clearly associated with a reduced risk of dental fluorosis. So it is recommended to consume calcium rich food in endemic zones. It includes milk, yoghurt, leafy vegetables, drumstick leaves and sesame seed. Foods containing antioxidants help in preventing fluorosis. These foods include garlic, ginger, carrot, papaya, pumpkin white onion and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E also has a prophylactic role. Its sources include whole grain cereals, vegetable oils, green vegetables and dried beans. Avoid the use of Tobacco and beetle nut. Avoid fluoride supplements like Black tea and Lemon tea (tea with milk is safe) Black rock salt (kala namak)Black rock salt lased pickles, Garam masala, salty snacks Chaat and Chaat masala Canned fruit juices Cannel fish Fluoride contaminated drinking water Chewing of tobacco Supari (arccanut) and Hajmola and other Churan containing rock salt. Avoid Fluoride Rich Dental Products like Fluoridated toothpaste Mouth rinse Varnish and Sodium fluoride tablets (for treatment of Osteoporosis) (UNICEF).Boiling water will concentrate the fluoride rather than reduce it as well as freezing water does not affect the concentration of fluoride. Fluoride poisoning can be prevented or minimized by using alternative water sources, by removing excessive fluoride from drinking water, and by improving the nutritional status of populations at risk. Alternative water sources include surface water, rainwater, and low-fluoride groundwater can also helps in prevention of fluoride.