Does Fluoride Help to Strengthen the Teeth?

Fluoride doesn't make teeth stronger. Rather it builds the defenses of teeth to prevent demineralization and de-calcification and inhibit the decay process. When fluoride becomes incorporated into the tooth it acts as a defense to bacteria that are found in plaque and lead to decaying teeth. It prevents tooth decay by preserving tooth enamel and dentin. So Fluoride doesn't strengthen the tooth, but rather acts by building the defense of tooth enamel and dentin to prevent decay.

Fluoride seems to always stir some controversy.

I have practiced nearly twenty five years. I have seen patients who used a lot of fluoride, I've seen some that really went to all extents to avoid it. Here's my summary after seeing it all over decades:


Yes, Fluoride makes your teeth much stronger and cavity resistant

Even with impeccable care at home, you can still get cavities when you avoid all Fluoride.

Fluoride is very cost effective and a strong preventive treatment.

It is especially important during youth.

It is especially important as you age.


I have watched a number of patients who did not want Fluoride. Over many years, I watched them have ongoing problems with their teeth. I watched them get cavities over and over agian. I watched them spend thousands of dollars repairing their teeth. And then, it started over again...

Like many other preventive oriented things a little bit, applied intelligently and consistently stops many problems.

In the real world, the evidence is unmistakable. As with any other health question, ask YOUR dentist what YOU need,

 

Yes it does.  Flouride's anti-decay mechanism is well established.  Decay occurs when bacteria found in dental placque break down sugars and produce acid.  These acids dissolve tooth enamel and dentin below the enamel, by leaching calcium and minerals from the tooth. This is called demineralization, which leads to cavities.  When flouride becomes chemically incorporated in the tooth, it makes enamel more resistant to this process, thus preventing tooth decay.