The role of fluoride in dental health is significant because fluoride is a natural mineral that plays a key role in maintaining strong teeth and preventing cavities. Its ability to remineralize enamel helps strengthen teeth and protect them from acid attacks in the oral cavity. Thanks to its preventive properties, fluoride is one of the most important elements in modern dentistry and is used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional dental treatments.
How does fluoride work on teeth?
Fluoride is one of the most important elements in tooth protection, and its role in oral health has been proven through numerous scientific studies. Its effects include strengthening tooth enamel, the remineralization process, reducing bacterial activity, and alleviating tooth sensitivity. Regular use of fluoride through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional dental treatments is essential for long-term protection.
1. Strengthening tooth enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body and serves as a protective layer for teeth. However, despite its strength, enamel is not indestructible – daily consumption of food and drinks, as well as bacterial activity in the oral cavity, can weaken it and make it more susceptible to damage.
- How does fluoride strengthen enamel? When fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, it helps form fluorapatite, a mineral more resistant to acids than hydroxyapatite, the natural component of enamel. This process makes teeth more resistant to acids produced by bacteria that break down carbohydrates in the mouth.
- Why is this important? Without proper remineralization, enamel can gradually weaken, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Regular fluoride use helps maintain strong and healthy teeth throughout life.
- Where is fluoride absorbed? Fluoride is primarily absorbed in the surface layers of enamel but can also penetrate deeper into the tooth structure, providing long-term protection.
2. Tooth remineralization
Every day, teeth undergo two processes – demineralization (loss of minerals) and remineralization (restoration of minerals). When acids from food, drinks, or bacterial plaque attack enamel, they gradually deplete minerals such as calcium and phosphate, weakening tooth structure and increasing the risk of cavities.
How does fluoride help in remineralization?
- Fluoride binds calcium and phosphate to enamel, helping rebuild the mineral layer.
- This process is not only protective but can also repair early damage caused by acid exposure.
- People in the early stages of cavities can significantly slow or even reverse enamel decay with regular fluoride use.
What promotes remineralization?
- Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Professional dental fluoride therapies
- A balanced diet rich in calcium and phosphate
Why is remineralization insufficient without fluoride?
- Although the body can naturally restore minerals in enamel through saliva, this process is slow and often insufficient if there is increased acid exposure.
- Fluoride accelerates remineralization and makes newly formed mineral deposits more resistant to future acids, providing long-term protection.
3. Prevention of cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems worldwide and the leading cause of tooth loss in both adults and children. Their development results from a combination of poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, and bacterial activity in the oral cavity.
How does fluoride help prevent cavities?
- Reduces acid production: Fluoride inhibits enzymes in bacteria that cause cavities, reducing their ability to produce acid that breaks down enamel.
- Weakens bacteria: Bacteria in dental plaque become less aggressive when exposed to fluoride, reducing their ability to damage teeth.
- Strengthens the protective layer of enamel: Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acids, slowing cavity development and allowing teeth to withstand harmful effects longer.
Who benefits the most from fluoride protection?
- Children and adolescents whose teeth are still developing.
- People with orthodontic appliances make thorough cleaning of teeth more difficult.
- Adults with sensitive teeth and a higher tendency for cavities.
- Individuals with dry mouth (xerostomia), where reduced saliva flow decreases the natural ability of teeth to remineralize.
4. Reduction of tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common problems patients face, and it can result from enamel wear, gum recession, or consumption of acidic drinks and foods.
How does fluoride help reduce sensitivity?
- Seals micropores in enamel and dentin – Fluoride forms a protective layer on the tooth surface, reducing sensitivity to external stimuli.
- Prevents further enamel wear – People who consume many acidic beverages (carbonated drinks, wine, citrus fruits) often experience enamel erosion, and fluoride helps strengthen the tooth surface.
- Reduces pain caused by hot and cold drinks – Fluoride helps “seal” exposed dentin tubules, significantly reducing discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
Which fluoride products help with sensitivity?
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth containing fluoride and potassium nitrate.
- Fluoride mouthwashes that additionally strengthen enamel.
- Professional fluoride treatments in dental clinics that provide longer-lasting protection.
Sources of fluoride in daily life
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is added to various products to help maintain dental health. Its presence in daily routines is crucial for cavity prevention, enamel strengthening, and maintaining oral hygiene. Several primary sources of fluoride ensure its effective absorption and tooth protection.
1. Fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is the most common and effective way to incorporate this mineral into daily oral hygiene. Almost all modern kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride because it has proven to be the best protector against cavities and enamel weakening.
Recommended fluoride concentrations in toothpaste:
- Children under 3 years: Low-fluoride toothpaste (about 500 ppm), as they are still learning to spit out excess paste.
- Children aged 3 to 6 years: Toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride, with parental supervision during brushing.
- Adults: Toothpaste with 1350–1500 ppm fluoride provides optimal protection against cavities and enamel damage.
- People at high risk for cavities: In some cases, a dentist may recommend toothpaste with 5000 ppm fluoride, available by prescription and intended for individuals with increased sensitivity or frequent dental issues.
2. Fluoridated water
In some parts of the world, fluoride is added to tap water to increase population-wide fluoride intake and reduce cavity incidence, particularly in children. This method has proven highly effective, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and many dental associations support controlled water fluoridation.
Does Croatia have fluoridated water?
In Croatia, water naturally contains very low levels of fluoride, meaning most people receive their fluoride protection through toothpaste and other sources.
3. Professional fluoride treatments
Individuals prone to cavities or increased tooth sensitivity can further strengthen enamel through professional fluoride treatments performed in dental clinics. These treatments contain significantly higher fluoride concentrations than standard toothpaste and mouthwash.
Types of professional fluoride treatments:
- Fluoride gels and foams – Highly concentrated fluoride applied to teeth using special trays.
- Fluoride varnishes – applied to the tooth surface for longer-lasting protection, especially beneficial for children and those at high risk of cavities.
- Professional fluoride rinses – Used periodically as additional protection for patients with weakened enamel or a tendency toward tooth erosion.
Myths about fluoride – fact or fiction?
Since fluoride is a frequent topic in dental discussions, several myths create confusion about its safety.
- “Fluoride is harmful to health.”
- Fact: In proper amounts, fluoride is safe and essential for cavity prevention. Problems only arise with excessive intake, which is very rare with standard fluoride levels in toothpaste and water.
- “Fluoride in water is unnecessary since it’s in toothpaste.”
- Fact: Fluoride in water provides continuous protection throughout the day and has been proven to reduce cavity risk, especially in children.
Conclusion
Fluoride is an irreplaceable ally in maintaining dental health, helping to prevent cavities, strengthen enamel, and reduce sensitivity. Proper use of this mineral through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional treatments ensures long-term protection for your smile.
If you want to ensure the best care for your teeth, schedule a check-up at Esthea Polyclinic and find out how fluoride can contribute to your oral health!