Science, Tech, Math › Science How Fluoride Works to Prevent Tooth Decay Share Flipboard Email Print Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated August 11, 2018 Fluoride is the fluorine ion added to toothpaste and dental rinses to help protect your teeth from cavities. While increasing the concentration of systemic fluoride (e.g., through fluoridating drinking water) has not been proven to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, direct contact between fluoride and teeth strengthens and helps remineralize damaged enamel. The Chemistry Behind Dental Health The calcium and phosphate compound which makes up tooth enamel is a modified form of hydroxyapatite, which is susceptible to attack by acids. Bacteria that thrive on the sugars found in the mouth multiply on dental surfaces and produce acids. Mechanical brushing of teeth dislodges these bacteria and rinses them away, but doesn't do anything to address the ongoing damage to enamel from acid exposure. Fortunately, saliva neutralizes these acids and teeth use compounds found in saliva to remineralize the enamel. So, as long as the rate of demineralization and the rate of remineralization remain in balance, teeth remain strong and healthy. When more minerals are lost from teeth than are replaced, dental caries or cavities form. Fluoride helps by interacting with hydroxyapatite to form a stronger compound that is less susceptible to acid attack. Also, fluoride remineralizes damaged enamel (though it can't fix a cavity once one has formed). There is some evidence fluoride may inhibit the growth of bacteria on teeth or limit their capacity for producing acid. Even though you spit out toothpaste and probably rinse your mouth, enough fluoride remains on your teeth and in your saliva to confer protection for a while after brushing your teeth or using a fluoridated rinse. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How Fluoride Works to Prevent Tooth Decay." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/how-fluoride-works-prevent-tooth-decay-607857. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). How Fluoride Works to Prevent Tooth Decay. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/how-fluoride-works-prevent-tooth-decay-607857 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How Fluoride Works to Prevent Tooth Decay." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-fluoride-works-prevent-tooth-decay-607857 (accessed January 23, 2021). copy citation