Fluoride has been fairly widespread for more than 50 years, so it’s almost certain you’ve heard of it, even if you’re unsure what it does or how it works. Fluoride is a derived form of a naturally occurring element. It occurs both in both natural and synthesized forms, in medical treatments and public water supplies, and is widely accepted for its ability to harden tooth enamel, effectively increasing resistance to cavities.

Tooth enamel is hard, yet porous. Think of it like an eggshell. Substances can still seep through that protective outer coating no matter how hard it may feel to the touch. Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that seep into the pores of the enamel and break down its internal structure. This process is called demineralization and can create a weak spot on the surface of the tooth that may become a cavity if left untreated.

The Role of Fluoride: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel over time and also by accelerating the remineralization process. The new enamel crystals that form after fluoride treatments are harder, larger and significantly more resistant to acids that cause decay.

Common Sources of Fluoride: Common sources of the beneficial, enamel hardening, decay preventing fluoride include public tap water, almost every brand of toothpaste, and mouth rinse. Inform your dentist if your drinking water is not fluoridated. He or she may recommend that you use higher concentrations of fluoride gels, mouth rinses, drops or tablets. To help strengthen weak spots and exposed roots and to prevent the early stages of tooth decay, you should always brush regularly with fluoridated toothpaste. In one study alone*, conducted using Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste as an example, patients using it developed 41% fewer cavities than patients using a toothpaste without fluoride. Daily brushing, as well as regular flossing and periodic, scheduled professional cleanings, will help prevent cavities and preserve your total oral health.

* Study conducted was “Jansen ME, Kohout F. The effect or a fluoride dentrifice on root and coronal carries in an older adult population. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988:117:829-832