Fluorine

Fluorine occurs naturally in the Earth's crust, water, and food as the negatively charged ion, fluoride (F^-). Fluoride is considered a trace element because only small amounts are present in the body (about 2.6 grams in adults), and because the daily requirement for maintaining dental health is only a few milligrams a day. About 95% of the total body fluoride is found in bones and teeth. Although its role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay) is well established, fluoride is not generally considered an essential mineral element because humans do not require it for growth or to sustain life. However, if one considers the prevention of chronic disease (dental caries), an important criterion in determining essentiality, then fluoride might well be considered an essential trace element.

Fluorine Deficiency: Risk of Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)
Fluorine & Diseases: Osteoporosis & Dental Caries
Fluorine & Diseases: Safety of fluoride therapy for osteoporosis
Fluorine Functions & Nutrient Interactions
Fluorine Safety: Adverse effects, Dental fluorosis...
Fluorine Sources: Water fluoridation, Food Sources & Supplements