Fluoride works primarily by enhancing the remineralization of tooth enamel. It achieves this by accelerating the growth of fluorapatite crystals on the partially demineralized subsurface crystals within a carious lesion.
How Fluoride Remineralizes Teeth
The mechanism of fluoride's action can be broken down into the following steps:
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Adsorption: Fluoride ions adsorb onto the surface of partially demineralized tooth enamel. According to research, fluoride adsorbs into the surface and attracts calcium ions.
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Calcium Attraction: The adsorbed fluoride attracts calcium ions (Ca2+) to the surface.
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Fluorapatite Formation: The presence of both fluoride and calcium ions promotes the formation of fluorapatite crystals. Fluorapatite is more resistant to acid attacks (caused by bacteria in the mouth) than the original tooth mineral, hydroxyapatite.
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Enhanced Remineralization: The fluorapatite crystals grow on the existing, partially demineralized crystals, effectively repairing the enamel. Fluoride enhances tooth remineralization by accelerating the growth of fluorapatite crystals on the partially demineralized sub-surface crystals in the carious lesion.
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride's mechanism of action provides several benefits:
- Strengthens Tooth Enamel: Makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
- Reverses Early Decay: Helps to remineralize areas affected by early-stage cavities.
- Prevents Cavities: Reduces the risk of new cavities forming.
