Why Is Fluoride in Toothpaste?

Fluoride is a chemical ion of the element called fluorine, and is found in soil, food, water and several minerals. Fluoride is synthesized and added to public water supplies for the purpose of preventing tooth decay. Children who brush with fluoridated toothpaste have 24 percent fewer cavities than those who don't use toothpaste with fluoride, according to the Dental Gentle Care website.

Re-Mineralization

• Toothpaste contains fluoride because it reduces the incidence of cavities and is helpful to those who have missing teeth, dental fillings or high levels of decay. When teeth are already damaged, using fluoride can strengthen enamel, which is called re-mineralization. Fluoride can stop a cavity from continuing to form, explains the Medical News Today website.

De-Mineralization

• Fluoride protects teeth from de-mineralization that can decay teeth. De-mineralization is caused by the acid that results in our mouth when bacteria combine with sugar. This ruins the enamel on teeth.

Topical Application or Eating Fluoride

• In addition to using toothpaste with fluoride, this chemical ion can be applied topically, or eaten. Fish, meat, tea leaves and eggs contain fluoride, which enters into the bloodstream and is later absorbed by the bones and teeth. A dentist can apply fluoride directly to a tooth, which readily absorbs the topical fluoride treatment. The fluoride stays in the mouth for several hours after topical application. Other ways of topically applying fluoride include using fluoride gels, mouthwash and fluoride supplements.

Those Who Particularly Need Fluoride

• Those who have braces, bridges, crowns or various other restorative dental procedures should use fluoride, as should those with a history of tooth decay and cavities. Those who have bad dental hygiene, rarely go to a dentist, who consume high amounts of carbohydrates and sugars, or who have been diagnosed with dry mouth, should also use fluoride products.

Caution

• If too much fluoride is used for long periods of time, it can discolor tooth enamel, which is called dental fluorosis. In addition, lifetime exposure to very high fluoride levels can result in joint stiffness and pain, called skeletal fluorosis, and to bone weakening.