Fluoride is a naturally existing mineral found in water, many foods, within the earth’s crust, and widely throughout nature. Fluoride is often added to tap water supplies for drinking and to toothpaste for children and adults.
Fluoride is beneficial for all children because it helps shield young teeth from damaging acid and can actually rescind early signs of dental decay (reverse very small cavities). Hurtful acids in the mouth form from bacteria combined with sugars. This acid damages the hard protective outer coating of the tooth called enamel. On a daily basis, minerals are being lost and added to the enamel layer of the teeth through naturally occurring processes called demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost when acid attacks the enamel, and minerals like phosphates, calcium, and fluoride (which all strengthen the teeth) are added back (remineralization) when kids drink water or eat foods that contain these minerals. Cavities form and decay occurs when too much demineralization transpires without enough remineralization to restore enamel.
According to the ADA Over the past few years, tooth decay has been reduced dramatically to key component “Fluoride”
Fluoride helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible! The Good news is that fluoride is like any other nutrient; it is safe and effective when used appropriately.
What causes tooth decay?
Your teeth are coated with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque (Pronounced PLACK). The bacteria converts the sugar you eat and drink into acids that attack the strong, outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
Over time, this can weaken the enamel and causes cavities.
