ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE INCIDENCE OF BONE FRACTURES AND TREATMENT WITH SODIUM FLUORIDE

Abstract

This article reviews the cumulated evidence on the effects of sodium fluoride treatment on bone fractures. The controversies on the benefits of fluoride administration are based on the high rate of collateral effects (arthritis and gastrointestinal problems), the contradictory effect on bone mass, the narrow therapeutic window and the tendency of fluoride treatment to increase de rate of fractures, specially that of the hip.