Fluoride and Dental Caries Prevention

Attacks on teeth that occur less often.

The loss of minerals from tooth enamel.

Attacks on teeth that occur more often.

The probability of getting cavities.

A chemical compound of fluorine that is naturally found in water, rocks, soil, and tea.

A group of chemical elements in the periodic table.

A highly reactive chemical element having symbol F and atomic number 9.

A type of tooth staining linked to water chemistry.

Additives of fluoride to public water supplies.

Adding fluoride to water for public health.

Churchill investigated water sources in Arkansas, correlating higher fluoride with tooth staining, although no direct link to the staining was proven.

McKay proposed that the same fluoride compound causing mottling may also reduce cavities, although the teeth showing mottling demonstrated no higher decay risk than normal teeth.

Extensive research studies, led by Dr. H Trendley-Dean, investigated the potential links between fluoride in water, tooth staining, and reduced cavities, expanding on observations from Colorado and Arkansas.

A dentist who first documented the 'Colorado Stain' in 1916, exploring connections with water sources and tooth discoloration.

A collaborator with Dr. Frederik on the investigation of Colorado stain and published a paper on its cause.

A mineral that was found in higher concentrations in water sources where tooth mottling occurred.

A type of tooth discoloration resulting from the exposure to high fluoride levels during tooth development that can have limited link to the likelihood of future tooth decay.

Fluoride is absorbed from swallowed water and travels through the bloodstream to developing tooth buds. It gets deposited into the enamel as fluoroapatite during enamel formation, replacing the usual hydroxyapatite, making the tooth more resistant to demineralization.

Fluoride absorbed from systemic sources (swallowed fluoride) during the tooth development stage, before the tooth emerges through the gums, resulting in the deposition of fluoroapatite within the enamel.

Fluoride absorbed from topical sources (toothpaste, mouthwash) after the tooth erupts, resulting in the deposition of fluoroapatite on the enamel surface.

Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can inhibit ameloblast activity, affecting enamel development and causing 'mottling' or discoloration, often termed fluorosis.

Fluoride replaces hydroxide in hydroxyapatite, forming fluoroapatite. Fluoroapatite is stronger and more resistant to acid attack, making the tooth more resilient to demineralization and caries.

The period after a tooth emerges from the gum, during which it's most susceptible to fluoride uptake.

The process of fluoride being absorbed into the tooth structure, making enamel more resistant to acid attacks.

The first few years after a tooth emerges are when it's most porous, allowing for maximum fluoride absorption.

Demineralized enamel (weakened enamel) absorbs fluoride more readily, making it stronger and less prone to further decay.

Fluoride helps to remineralize teeth by replacing lost calcium and phosphate with fluoroapatite, a stronger form of hydroxyapatite.

Fluoride works best to slow down the progression of cavities rather than completely preventing them. It doesn't penetrate the tooth deeply.

Fluoride absorbed into the tooth surface can be replaced as the surface is abraded through brushing or chewing.

Topical fluoride applications are most beneficial during the post-eruptive stage, when the tooth is still developing.

Fluoride makes the enamel surface less wettable, reducing the 'stickiness' of the surface, making it harder for bacteria to adhere and form plaque.

Pellicle is a thin film of proteins that forms on tooth enamel. It serves as a 'sticky' surface for bacteria to attach to, forming plaque. Fluoride reduces pellicle formation, thus reducing plaque accumulation.

Systemic fluoride, taken during tooth development, can alter tooth morphology, resulting in shallower pits, reduced fissure depth, and lower cusp height. This makes the tooth more easily cleanable.

Root caries occur when dentin and cementum, exposed by gingival recession, are attacked by bacteria and decay. This is more common in patients with xerostomia (dry mouth) and those undergoing radiotherapy.

Fluoride helps prevent root caries by incorporating into the root surface during remineralization, reducing surface wettability, and having antibacterial effects.

Fluoride contributes to the prevention of root caries through three mechanisms: incorporation during remineralization, reducing surface wettability, and possessing antibacterial effects.

Fluoroapatite is more resistant to acid attacks due to its lower critical pH, making teeth less soluble and promoting remineralization. This ultimately reduces the chances of getting cavities.

Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions during the remineralization process, forming fluoroapatite. This molecule is more stable due to strong hydrogen bonds, fewer imperfections, and larger crystals.

Topical fluoride applications create a reservoir of fluoride in saliva, which binds to calcium. This reservoir releases fluoride during acid attacks, enabling it to enter the tooth and promote remineralization.

Fluoride from topical sources like toothpaste and mouthwash enters the tooth during remineralization, strengthening enamel and reducing the risk of cavities.

Regular exposure to low-level fluoride is crucial to replace lost ions and maintain enamel strength, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Toothpaste containing fluoride helps build a reservoir of fluoride in saliva, which is released during acid attacks, promoting remineralization and reducing cavities.

Fluoride varnish contains a high concentration of fluoride, making it a powerful tool for promoting remineralization and preventing cavities.

Water fluoridation provides a consistent source of fluoride, promoting enamel health and reducing the incidence of cavities in communities.