A utilização do flúor na odontologia pode fazer mal à saúde?

Abstract

The increase in sugar consumption by the population for over 100 years was the precursor to the global epidemic of tooth decay and its decline during the last 50 years is mainly due to the use of fluoride. Like any other substance to which we are exposed in our daily life, fluoride can be toxic in measures. Therefore, the objective of this study is to review articles in the scientific literature, in order to report the methods recommended in dentistry regarding the use of fluoride, as well as to relate its real toxicity to the health of individuals. For this, the study was based on the use of several existing materials on the topic, whose survey was carried out in the literature by the Google Scholar, PubMed and Scielo platforms, using the keywords: Fluorine, Fluorine Toxicity and Dentistry. Fluoride is widely indicated, being important for the use of both children and adults, as it has the power to reduce the onset of caries disease and also when already installed, it can manage to control it. The first benefits to be observed in the population were from the use of fluorides in the ingestion of fluoridated water. Over the years, many studies have emerged in order to develop dental materials with physical and biological properties, with the inclusion of fluoride in its composition, such as fluoride toothpastes, fluorine gels and varnishes, as well as, glass ionomer cements. Even knowing the beneficial effects, in high amounts it can bring harm to health, such as hypothyroidism, dental fluorosis, skeletal and cancer. Thus, it is necessary to know how to administer this component, as well as to correctly apply it in the dental office, in addition to controlling its daily intake. It is concluded that fluoride in Dentistry is of great importance for the prevention and control of caries disease, however, in exaggerated doses, equal to or above 5.0 mgF / kg has been a risk factor for health problems.