Skeletal Fluorosis

When fluoride is cleared from the body, calcium is leached from the bone matrix which results in:

  • increased bone density, hardening the bones and decreasing elasticity which often leads to fractures and decreased strength
  • symptoms often include joint pain and decreased mobility
  • paralysis can also occur as vertebral canal is narrowed due to fluorosis

Skeletal FluorosisIndividuals with skeletal fluorosis may have deformed bones or bone abnormalities such as bowed legs, knocked knees, or sclerosis. Common symptoms such as joint pain due to skeletal fluorosis are often misdiagnosed as they present similarly to other joint or bone diseases such as arthritis.

While there are no official treatments for skeletal fluorosis, some case studies have documented successful reversal of skeletal fluorosis due to access to safe, non-fluoridated water and dietary changes.