Fluoride works like Bleach with Chlorine. It reacts with and cuts open the cell membrane of bacteria. These bacteria in the mouth are called Streptococcus mutans and they make lactic acid from 6-carbon sugars. read more
Other Sources of Fluoride. There are many other sources of fluoride, including pharmaceutical drugs including fluorinated anesthetics, Cipro, Niflumic acid, Flecainide, and Voriconazole ((Source), cigarettes, toothpaste and fluoride treatments, and soft drinks and beer. read more
Fluoride occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources. The additional fluoride in toothpaste has beneficial effects on the formation of dental enamel and bones. Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the most common source of fluoride, but stannous fluoride (SnF 2), olaflur (an organic salt of fluoride), and sodium monofluorophosphate (Na 2 PO 3 F) are also used. read more