ABSTRACT
Clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis is generally based on the presence of a symptomatic fracture because this provides the clearest definitions of the disease. In some cases osteoporosis is iatrogenic but with the exception of steroid-induced osteoporosis this is a rare finding. Hormonal inbalance may result in osteoporosis, with the disease usually being clearly related to an excessive level of the hormone in the serum. Preventive treatment with either hormones or calcium supplements may be useful if initiated before the mass of bone has decreased to a level at which minor trauma will cause fracture. Fluoride has been used in the past for the treatment of osteoporosis or bone losing diseases such as multiple myeloma and hypercortisonism. The mechanism of action of fluoride on the mineralized tissue, in this instance bone, is also different from those in the prevention of dental caries: It is one of osteoblastic stimulation, rather than the prevention of crystal dissolution.
