Why Fluoride?

By Thomas L. Lutz, DDS

Odenton Family Dentistry

. http://odentonfamilydentistry.com/

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Why Fluoride?

Fluoride strengthens our teeth. Our teeth are under regular assault from fluctuations in acidity. Many things cause acidity levels to rise such as carbonated colas, vinegary foods and especially sugar. An acidic environment leads to the demineralization of tooth enamel. This in turn leads to tooth decay. Fluoride can reverse this process, rebuild our enamel and leave it stronger than before.

On the molecular level our tooth enamel fluctuates between demineralization and remineralization. Dietary habits can tip the scale in favor of demineralization. Acid producing bacteria that live in our mouth love carbohydrates, particularly sugar. These bacteria feed on the sugars producing organic acids on the surface of our teeth. These acids leach away the minerals that make up the crystalline lattices of our enamel. As our saliva eventually neutralizes the acid, teeth are able to remineralize. However, if we are not vigilant about maintaining good oral hygiene our teeth may be fighting a losing battle.

One of the biggest weapons in our arsenal to combat the demineralization process is fluoride. Fluoride ions present in our saliva encourage re-mineralization and can replace lost enamel structure, reversing the start of the decay process.

Moreover, the newly incorporated fluoride ions change the surface characteristics of the tooth enamel. This change in structure makes our tooth enamel more resistant to dissolution. In this way fluoride has earned its place in the battle against tooth decay.

Years of research have proven fluoride safe and effective in combating tooth decay. The results of community water fluoridation have had such a significant impact on the prevalence of tooth decay that the CDC has proclaimed it one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. In the fight against tooth decay fluoride cannot replace good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, but it can serve as a formidable adjunct.