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Scientists Finally Discover Why Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay

Teeth in Male MouthScientists have spent the last five decades trying to figure out why fluoride added to drinking water and oral-care products prevents tooth decay, and they may finally have a two-part answer.

A new study published in the ACS journal Langumir used artificial teeth constructed of hydroxyapatite to test the effects of fluoride. Unlike previous materials, which were porous and unstable, the new material is smooth and features a hard surface.

While previous studies have suggested that fluoride simply strengthened enamel, the new study believes fluoride could also prevent bacterial adhesion to teeth.

Nevertheless, toothpaste or drinking water containing a high concentration of fluoride can lead to fluorosis. There appear to be a few spots of white and brown color on the enamel of the teeth in this condition. As fluoride toothpaste has become more popular, there is a heightened risk of developing fluorosis. It is recommended to consult your dentist (like Dr Salin) who can recommend toothpaste with the permitted fluoride content in order to avoid such situations. Basically, an optimum amount of fluoride keeps your teeth healthy and prevents cavities and tooth decay, whereas too much fluoride makes them sensitive to it.

Newer studies suggest that fluoride may work in two ways. First, while fluoride does penetrate the tooth and strengthens the enamel, it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as previously believed. Scientists now believe that the fluoride penetration is stronger but less deep.

As the fluoride penetrates, it makes it harder for bacteria to stick on teeth. While bacteria continues to live inside the mouth, the chances of tooth adherence is lessened.

According to Water.EPA.gov, fluoride is a salt formed by combining minerals with fluorine. Some fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water while the rest is added based on state and local decisions.

With a better understanding of how fluoride works, researchers can now focus on figuring out the best methods for delivering fluoride.

References

Fluoride mystery solved: Fighting tooth decay: http://www.inquisitr.com/654696/fluoride-mystery-solved/
New evidence on how fluoride fights tooth decay: http://phys.org/news/2013-05-evidence-fluoride-tooth.html

Image Credits

Teeth in Male Mouth: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teeth_by_David_Shankbone.jpg

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