Controlling the fluoride dosage in a patient with compromised salivary function.
BACKGROUND
High-concentration topical fluorides are used commonly to with compromised salivary function due to irradiation and chemotherapy.


METHODS
The authors describe a 50-year-old man with previously treated cancer who was using tray-applied topical fluoride gel. He complained of gastric symptoms, difficulty in swallowing, leg muscle soreness and knee joint soreness. A computed tomographic scan revealed thickening of the esophageal walls. An upper endoscopy revealed abnormal motility. The motility test indicated high-amplitude peristalsis and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, and urine testing indicated high levels of systemic fluoride. The patient's fluoride regimen was altered, and within a short period his urinary fluoride levels returned to normal and his symptoms resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians prescribing home-applied high-concentration fluorides need to be cognizant of the symptoms of fluoride toxicity, carefully monitor the patient's compliance with the treatment regimen, and adjust the dosage or mode of application to control the total ingested dose of fluoride.
Eichmiller
Frederick C
FC
American Dental Association Foundation, Paffenbarger Research Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8546, USA. Frederick.Eichmiller@nist.gov
Eidelman
Naomi
N
Carey
Clifton M
CM
D018771:Arthralgia / Q000139:chemically induced; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000506:poisoning; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005458:Fluoride Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000652:urine; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides