The role of fluoride
Last Updated August 2021
Sodium Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that serves to protect teeth from dental caries.
It is scientifically proven that the correct amount of fluoride in water and use of fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouth rinses have a significant benefit on oral health and help to reduce tooth decay.
Sodium fluoride reduces caries by inhibiting demineralization (loss of minerals) and promoting remineralization of the tooth surface.
Fluoride ions are taken up into the enamel and form fluoroapatite which is harder than hydroxyapatite. Thus, fluoride strengthens the enamel which is then more resistant to acid attacks and the incidence of dental caries is reduced.
CAVITIES & STRONG TEETH: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element known to prevent tooth decay, thereby helping prevent cavities developing. The acid in plaque leads to mineral loss in the tooth (demineralisation), which leads to tooth decay. The formation of cavities, however, can be reversed by remineralisation. Fluoride can speed up this restoration of lost minerals.
Fluoride is often found in tap water, in high enough quantities to reduce cavities, depending on which area of the country you are in (and whether you drink tap or filtered/bottled water). You can also get fluoride by using a fluoride toothpaste and LISTERINE® mouthwashes that contain fluoride.
