Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Mineral

Iodine

Likelihood in at-risk patientsModerate

Likelihood of deficiency within an at-risk group, not the general population.

Evidence confidenceModerate

Strength of the peer-reviewed evidence.

Food sources

Iodized salt, Seafood, Dairy, Seaweed

Typical intake: 150 mcg/day for most adults; 220 mcg/day in pregnancy, 290 mcg/day while breastfeeding.

Upper limit: 1,100 mcg/day for adults.

Dental & oral effects of deficiency

No well-established oral-specific sign of deficiency on file.

Associated with deficiency

  • Goiter: Thyroid enlargement from inadequate iodine.
  • Hypothyroidism: Fatigue and cold intolerance; developmental delays in children born to deficient mothers.

Dental & oral effects of surplus / excess

No well-established oral-specific effect of excess intake on file.

General toxicity (not necessarily oral-specific)

  • Iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction: Excess iodine (e.g. from supplements or seaweed-heavy diets) can paradoxically trigger both hyper- and hypothyroidism via the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, relevant given this app's existing hypothyroidism condition can result from either extreme.

Sources

  1. Iodine: Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2026.
  2. A Prescription for Change: Food as Medicine & the Vital Role of Nutrition in Patient Care. teethFirst. Continuing education course material, 2025.