•Encyclopedia Home
•Poisons A-Z
•Read Spanish version
More Features
•Printer-friendly version

Fluoride overdose

Definition

Fluoride is a chemical commonly used to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance.

See also: Fluoride in diet

Poisonous Ingredient

  • Fluoride

Where Found

Fluoride is found in many over-the-counter and prescription products, including:

  • Certain mouthwashes and toothpastes
  • Certain vitamins (Tri-Vi-Flor, Poly-Vi-Flor, Vi-Daylin F)
  • Fluoridated water
  • Sodium fluoride liquid and tablets

Fluoride may also be found in other household items, including

  • Etching cream
  • Roach powders

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition (for example, is the person awake or alert?)
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

  • Calcium or milk
  • Methods or medicines to cause vomiting
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

References

Meier K. Fluoride. Poisoning and Drug Overdose. In: Olson K, Anderson I, eds. California Poison Control System. McGraw-Hill; 2003: pp.200-201.

Review Date: 10/30/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com