Does Fluoridation Cause Osteoporosis?

High systemic fluoride exposures can lead to skeletal fluorosis

, a condition hallmarked by osteosclerosis, ligament calcifications, and often accompanying osteoporosis, osteomalacia, or osteopenia (Christie, 1980; Wang et al., 2007). Skeletal fluorosis can be complicated by malnutrition (Teotia and Teotia, 2008).

What medications can increase risk of osteoporosis?

The medications most commonly associated with osteoporosis include phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and primidone. These antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are all potent inducers of CYP-450 isoenzymes.

Can fluoride prevent osteoporosis?

Fluoride has greatest potential as a therapy for osteoporosis once bone has been lost. It has been demonstrated both experimentally and clinically to stimulate bone formation directly and to increase bone mass in patients who already have osteoporosis.