Fluoride and osteoporosis.

Abstract

ConclusionThere is substantial evidence that fluoride could play a major role in the treatment of established osteoporosis. If properly applied, this treatment could augment vertebral bone mass and inhibit fractures.However, certain problems of fluoride therapy have limited its wider applicability or acceptance. First, it has a very narrow therapeutic window. Thus, it has been difficult to maintain blood fluoride level above the therapeutic threshold without exceeding the toxic threshold. Second, fluoride treatment has been associated with frequent gastrointestinal and rheumatic complications, approximating 24 and 29%, respectively. Third, fluoride treatment may cause the formation of a mechanically defective bone. Fourth, fluoride may be toxic on osteoblasts at high concentrations. Thus, the beneficial effect of fluoride may be self-limiting. Finally, 25–30% of patients may not respond to fluoride.It is our conviction that these limitations of fluoride therapy may be largely overcome by the intermittent ...