We came across the following article on WebMD regarding the health benefits of fluoride. The article concisely describes how fluoride adds benefit to oral health. The complete article is available here.
Dental Health and Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every
day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two
processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost
(demineralization) from a tooth's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the
mouth -- attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate
are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and
waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to
repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
In What Forms Is Fluoride Available?
As mentioned, fluoride is found in foods and in water. It can also be directly applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are available over-the-counter; stronger concentrations require a doctor's prescription.
A dentist in his or her office can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for 1 to 4 minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard.
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