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Calcium Gluconate to Remove Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally derived element that is helpful in preventing and reversing tooth decay in its early stages. It is found naturally in many water sources, and many towns and cities add fluoride to water systems. While fluoride is effective in combating tooth decay, too much of it can result in fluoride poisoning. Fluoride poisoning can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation or thirst, and it can also damage teeth and lead to respiratory diseases and cancers. Calcium can effectively reverse fluoride poisoning because it bonds to fluoride.

  1. How Fluoride Poisoning Occurs

    • Water supplies are treated with 0.7 to 1.2 parts of fluoride per million parts of water, or ppm. This amount is optimal for reducing tooth decay. But too much fluoride--anything beyond 1.2 ppm--puts children and adults at risk for developing enamel fluorosis, which causes mottling or discoloration of permanent teeth. Fluoride poisoning or toxicity occurs when a large amount of fluoride is ingested in a short period of time. According to eMedicine, fluoride poisoning usually results from the accidental ingestion of rodenticides or insecticides.

    Using Calcium Gluconate to Treat Fluoride Poisoning

    • Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt that is derived from gluconic acid, which originates from glucose. Calcium gluconate contains 9.3 percent calcium and is typically administered in intravenous or infusion form. It is often used to treat complications that arise from calcium deficiencies, though it is also used to treat muscle cramping that occurs from black widow spider bites.

      Calcium gluconate also has proven to be effective in treating both magnesium sulfate and fluoride overdoses. Calcium gluconate ions bind with fluoride ions in the stomach, thereby preventing them from wreaking any further havoc on the poisoned individual.

      Calcium in standard form also can be effective in reducing and eliminating the symptoms of fluoride toxicity. Remove excess fluoride from your system by eating calcium-rich foods such as milk products and leafy green vegetables. Calcium supplements should be used with caution because many vitamins and other nutritional supplements often contain fluoride.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of calcium gluconate include tingling sensations, heat waves or a sense of oppression, and a chalky or calcium taste in the mouth. A fast-acting injection of calcium gluconate can cause a drop in blood pressure, syncope (a temporary loss of consciousness), cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

    Precautions

    • To reduce the risk of fluoride poisoning, do not allow children younger than 2 years old to use fluoride toothpaste. Children younger than 6 years old should be supervised while brushing, and only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used.

      If you suspect fluoride poisoning, immediately contact a poison control center or call 911.

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