Importance of Fluoride Information to Healthy Teeth

Basically, there are two methods of fluoride's action:

Systemic Benefit: Recently, scientific studies have shown that the systemic action of fluoride secondary to a topical route of action. It is nevertheless a contributor to the overall beneficial effect for prevention of tooth decay. As teeth develop, fluoride ion, which comes from ingesting fluoridated water, fluoridated milk, fluoride supplements, foods processed with fluoridated water, etc., can become incorporated into the structure of developing teeth. This creates a tooth enamel structure that is more resistant to the attack of oral acids that are produced by oral bacteria utilizing sugars and starches in our diet. It has also been suggested that the teeth that develop under the effect of systemic fluorides have shallower pits and grooves, allowing less trapping of oral bacteria and food particles which contribute to tooth decay.

Topical Benefit: On the surface of the teeth, there is a constant exchange of mineral ions between the crystals of the enamel surface and the plaque fluid (saliva containing oral bacteria) bathing the teeth surfaces. When we take sugar or starchy carbohydrates into our mouth, the acidity of the oral fluid increases and the enamel is demineralized in micro amounts. As the acidity subsides, the enamel surface is remineralized. In the absence of topical fluoride ions, over a period of time, the net demineralization exceeds the net remineralization and this leads to dental caries (tooth decay). When topical fluorides are regularly applied to the teeth (through toothpastes, mouthrinses, fluoridated water, professional applications, etc.) it is possible that even a poorly mineralized enamel surface can be progressively improved by the natural fluoride exchange equilibrium described above. If a very early carious lesion has formed, then the availability of fluoride in relatively low concentrations may result in the arrest and even remineralization of the beginning area of tooth decay. From this information, we see that adults may benefit from fluorides as well as children via the topical benefit of fluorides.

Fluoride inhibits the growth of plaque on the teeth: Another little known fact is that fluoride, when taken into bacterial cells, can interfere with their cellular metabolism. Thus, fluoride can also attack the very oral bacteria which are responsible for creating the acids which are the predominant causative agent in the initiation of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, studies have shown that fluoride binds to the cell walls of bacteria in the oral environment which can serve as a reservoir to continually release fluoride into the fluid bathing the tooth enamel, thus prolonging the fluoride benefit for enamel remineralization.

In summary, fluoride in the optimal amounts, whether through water fluoridation, toothpastes, dental office treatments or other source, is good for children and adults alike.

Ref: "Recent Trends in Dental Caries in U.S. Children and the Effect of Water Fluoridation," - J. Dent Research 69, Feb.1990.