The fluorosis conundrum: bridging the gap between science and public health

Kumar, Sachindra; Chhabra, Vishal; Mehra, Manmeet; K, Saranya; Kumar B, Harish; Shenoy, Smita; Swamy, Ravindra Shantakumar; Murti, Krishna; Pai, K. Sreedhara Ranganath; Kumar, Nitesh

doi:10.1080/15376516.2023.2268722

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 206 publications

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“…Nevertheless, their preventive use in dentistry remains controversial. The arguments put forward against fluoridation are often based on incomprehensible evidence that is not scientifically proven [ 12 , 25 ]. This can lead to misunderstandings, as interested parents or patients themselves are increasingly looking for background knowledge, and currently, more and more information is being obtained via the internet (e.g., social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) and not directly from the dentist [ 26 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dental Practice Websites in Germany—How Do They Inform about Fluoridation?

Geiken,

Kock,

Banz

et al. 2024

Dentistry Journal

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Fluoridation (Fl) is effective in preventing caries; however, it is unclear to what extent its use is counteracted by misinformation on the internet. This study aimed to evaluate the information provided on professional websites of German dental practices regarding fluoridation. A systematic search was performed by two independent examiners, utilizing three search engines, from 10 September 2021 to 11 December 2021. Modified, validated questionnaires (LIDA, DISCERN) were used to evaluate technical and functional aspects, generic quality, and risk of bias. Demographic information and statements about Fl were also collected. The intra- and inter-rater reliability assessments were excellent. Of the 81 websites analyzed, 64 (79%) mentioned Fl, and 31 (38%) indicated it as a primary focus. Most websites met at least 50% of the LIDA (90%) and DISCERN criteria (99%), indicating that the general quality was good. Thirty (37%) of the websites explained the impact of Fl, and forty-five (56%) indicated an opinion (for/against) on Fl. The practice location and the clinical focus were not associated with the overall quality of websites. Only a minority of websites explained the effects of Fl. Taken together, this study highlights that there is a distinct lack of good-quality information on FL.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dental Practice Websites in Germany—How Do They Inform about Fluoridation?

Geiken,

Kock,

Banz

et al. 2024

Dentistry Journal

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“…These excessive ROS are detrimental to neurons and exert their toxic effects by oxidising essential macromolecules such as cytoskeletal proteins and enzymes of neurons (39). Polyunsaturated fatty acids of neurons are affected by free radicals or ROS through LPO to form highly reactive electrophilic aldehydes, such as malondialdehyde and secondary products responsible for extensive cellular damage and damage to neuronal membranes (41). Peroxidation of membrane lipids leads to variation in functions, resulting in marked rigidity of membrane, decreased activity of membrane-bound enzymes, altered permeability and damage to membrane receptors, which contribute to modified membrane integrity, resulting in (32) pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders (40).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Peroxidation of membrane lipids leads to variation in functions, resulting in marked rigidity of membrane, decreased activity of membrane-bound enzymes, altered permeability and damage to membrane receptors, which contribute to modified membrane integrity, resulting in (32) pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders (40). Thus, excessive ROS affects the neuronal circuitry necessary for memory formation, leading to decreased performance in cognitive function, impaired learning and memory processes (41,42).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of naringin on sodium fluoride‑induced neurobehavioral deficits in Wistar rats

Swamy,

Kumar,

Shenoy

et al. 2024

Biomed Rep

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There is a lack of treatment for the detrimental effects of fluorosis. Sodium fluoride at a concentration of 10 ppm induces stress, depression and memory impairment in adult Wistar rats. Naringin, a flavanone glycoside isolated from citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; therefore, it was used for treatment of fluoride induced toxicity in the present study. Adult Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=8). The normal control (NOR) group was provided with normal tap water. The sodium fluoride (FLU)10 group received water containing 10 ppm sodium fluoride for 60 days. The treatment groups (FLU10NAR100 and FLU10NAR50) received drinking water with 10 ppm sodium fluoride ad libitum along with Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) per oral gavage, respectively. The NAR100 and NAR50 groups received Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg bw. The PRONAR100 and PRONAR50 groups received Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg bw for the first 15 days and then subsequently received FLU10 ppm for 60 days (total of 75 days). All animals were subjected to behavioural tests consisting of the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST) and novel object recognition test (NORT). After euthanasia, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were stained with Cresyl violet. To measure the oxidative stress caused by fluoride and its effect on antioxidant levels, estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH) by Ellman's method, lipid peroxidation (LPO) measured in terms of the MDA:thiobarbituric acid reaction and catalase was performed. To evaluate the effect of fluoride on activity of acetylcholine, estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by Ellman's method was performed. In NORT and FST, significant changes (P<0.05) were present in the FLU10NAR100 and FLU10NAR50 groups compared with the FLU10 group, showing recovery from memory deficit and depression. The OFT results were insignificant. The LPO was reduced in all the other groups except the FLU10 group, with statistically significant changes. Catalase activity was significantly lower in FLU10 as compared with the NAR100, NAR50, PRONAR100 and PRONAR50 groups. GSH and AChE activities did not show significant changes as compared with the FLU10 group. The CA3 and prefrontal cortex viable and degenerated neuron count in the FLU10 group were insignificant compared with all other groups, except for the NAR100 and NAR50 groups. Thus, Naringin can be a useful drug to avoid the neurological effects of fluoride.

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