What is Fluorine? | Tülay Akkol Dental - Dentist Doctor in Denizli

12.02.2026

Fluorine is the first element of the halogen group and has a pale yellow color. It was first described in 1529 by Georgius Agricola as an additive used to lower the melting point of metals.

Fluorine is an element located in the 2nd period and the 17th group of the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 9, an atomic weight of 19, and a density of 1.265. It is the first element of the halogen group and has a pale yellow appearance. It was first identified in 1529 by Georgius Agricola as a substance used to reduce the melting temperature of metals. In later years, the French chemist Henri Moissan conducted various studies on fluorine and succeeded in isolating it from its compounds. For this achievement, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906.

Fluorine is found in varying amounts in plants and animals through the effects of soil, air, and water, and it is an important halogen for the human body. Acting as an essential element in human metabolism, fluorine accumulates particularly in hard tissues such as teeth and bones, helping to increase the body’s resistance against wear, heavy impact, and similar conditions. The human body contains approximately 2–3 grams of fluorine on average, and about 0.3 milligrams of fluorine is present in every 100 milliliters of blood in the circulatory system. Fluorine also supports calcium, which is necessary for strong and durable bone and tooth structures. It plays a major role in dental health, especially in preventing tooth decay. Additionally, it is used in the treatment of osteoporosis, known medically as bone loss.

The human body obtains the fluorine it needs from drinking water, seafood, apples, spinach, eggs, and organ meats such as liver and kidney.

Fluorine in its pure form is highly toxic to living organisms. If humans are exposed to pure fluorine, it can cause redness in the eyes, blockage of the respiratory tract, and severe irritation. Excessive exposure to pure fluorine may even lead to liver and kidney damage.

Fluorine and its compounds were not widely used until World War II. After World War II, fluorine began to be produced and processed in large quantities for commercial purposes, particularly due to nuclear energy programs and atomic bomb projects.

Application and Uses of Fluorine

One of the most important points to mention about fluorine is that scientific research conducted in 2000 and 2007 confirmed that fluorine helps prevent tooth decay. Based on these findings, water fluoridation practices were introduced. This practice is carried out not only in our country but also in many other countries. The amount of fluorine added to water has been set at 2 milligrams. In Istanbul, one of the metropolitan cities of our country, the fluorine level in drinking water is considerably lower than the optimal levels determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). When the fluorine content of bottled waters available on the market is examined in detail, it is seen to range between 0.025 and 1.08 milligrams, which is considered low, and it has been stated that a higher level of fluorine is needed. In addition, fluorine is one of the main additives used in coating materials known as enamel and welding rods. It is also used in heat-resistant plastics, phone coatings that we use daily, cable insulation and insulating tapes, and waterproof clothing.

What Are the Benefits of Fluorine?

The use of fluorine has been determined to be both safe and highly effective when applied correctly. It serves as the first line of defense in preventing tooth decay. When used properly, fluorine helps prevent cavities and is also effective in stopping the progression of existing decay. According to research, the rate of tooth decay is low in developed countries such as the United States. This is attributed to the effective use of fluorine in these countries.