Is fluoride treatment justified today?

Fluoride has been used for the treatment of osteoporosis since 1961, because it increases trabecular bone mass in the spine and may be effective in the treatment of spinal osteoporosis. Fluoride treatment is still controversial because of its side effects, the high rate of non-responders, possible osteomalacic effect on bone, deleterious effects on cortical bone, and especially because of its uncertain effect on fracture rate. At present, fluoride therapy is highly questionable in the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis.