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How does fluoride strengthen your teeth?

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This process—called demineralization—eventually causes cavities. When fluoride becomes chemically incorporated in the tooth, it makes the enamel more resistant to demineralization, thus preventing the decay process. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, which the teeth absorb during brushing.Feb 16, 2011 read more

Too little fluoride increases the risk of tooth decay, and more than half of all children develop cavities before age 11. Dentists and physicians should evaluate the fluoride intake of children and discuss with their parents or caretakers ways to ensure kids are getting the appropriate amount of fluoride. Submit your question to Ask the Expert. read more

"Systemic fluoride--ingested fluoride that is absorbed mainly through the stomach and intestine into the bloodstream--helps to strengthen teeth while they are growing. The fluoride is carried to developing tooth buds, where the interaction with the developing crystals initiates the replacement of hydroxyapatite (the tooth enamel's normal crystalline composition) with fluorapatite (a related crystal which incorporates fluoride). read more

When fluoride is present during remineralization, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. Thus, fluoride helps stop the decay process and prevent tooth decay. read more

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