Fluorosis Kidney Stones Analysis

A tenuous relationship seems to exist between kidney stones, a painful condition caused by crystal development in the kidneys, and fluorosis, an ailment resulting from excess fluoride. One form of fluorosis affects the internal organs, including the kidneys, and an experimental study has shown a link between elevated fluoride and elevated stone material in the bladder. Another study indicates that people with kidney disease may collect too much fluoride in their bodies.

Kidney Stones

• The Mayo Clinic describes kidney stones as minerals and salts that form into hard stone-like objects inside the kidneys. Kidneys take in fluids, acids and minerals, filter the fluids, and pass the waste products to the bladder as urine. When the body fluids contain too much of a particular mineral or acid, these materials can form crystals that collect into stones. Most kidney stones are made of calcium bound to a substance called oxalate.

Flourosis

• Fluorosis refers to illness from an overexposure to fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element commonly added to drinking water and toothpastes, but an excess of flouride can cause a variety of health problems. A report on waterborne diseases by India's Ganapti Information Technology Services lists the three main forms of flourosis as dental flourosis, skeletal fluorosis and nonskeletal fluorosis. Dental flourosis permanently discolors teeth, while skeletal fluorosis impairs bone development and can lead to joint stiffness, bone deformity, pain and seizures, according to a Vitamins Diary article. Nonskeletal, or pre-skeletal, fluorosis causes changes in the body's organs, skin and other soft tissues before skeletal fluorosis symptoms can appear, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Analysis

• According to the National Kidney Foundation, little clinical information exists on the affect of fluoride on kidney disease. However, an article published by Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation claims that people with advanced kidney disease may retain unusually high levels of fluoride. Since impaired kidney function can also contribute to kidney stone formation, the two conditions may appear together. Additionally, an Indian study on rats indicated that higher fluoride intake led to increased calcium in the bladder.

Kidney Stone Treatment

• Kidney stones appear to be easier to control and prevent than fluorosis. Most kidney stones can pass through the body unaided, but large stones may require professional removal or disintegration. The National Kidney Foundation recommends drinking at least 12 glasses of water every day while watching salt and protein consumption. Contrary to popular belief, consuming more dietary calcium can actually reduce your risk for calcium-based kidney stones.

Fluorosis Treatment

• While dental fluorosis cannot be cured, dentists can use cosmetic techniques to cover the unsightly condition. In cases of skeletal fluorosis, dietary changes, including removing the source of fluoride, may stop the disease's progression. According to an article in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a Copenhagen study of skeletal fluorosis patients indicates that some aspects of the condition may be able to slowly reverse themselves after several years of non-exposure to excessive fluoride.