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Warning-sign checks

Fluoride overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now for:

    • Trouble breathing, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • A seizure, severe confusion, or inability to stay awake
    • An irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or severe weakness
    • Repeated vomiting, painful muscle spasms, or marked tingling
    • A large or unknown ingestion of a fluoride product
    • Any suspected hydrofluoric acid exposure

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre immediately after a potentially significant or unknown exposure, even if the person feels well.

    Have the product label available if possible.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical or dental review for white, brown, rough, or pitted enamel; persistent joint stiffness or bone pain; or concern about long-term exposure from water, supplements, or work.

    These findings do not confirm fluoride toxicity by themselves.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fluoride overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.