PACT: Fluoride - Introduction

Introduction
Fluoride is the negatively charged ionic form of the element fluorine that has a high affinity for calcium. In the human body, it is mainly associated with bones and teeth. Fluoride plays a very important role in the prevention of dental caries. Although the primary mechanism of action of fluoride in preventing dental caries is topical, systemic mechanisms are also important.

Fluoride acts in the following 3 ways to prevent dental caries (listed in order of importance):

	1.	It enhances remineralization of the tooth enamel. This is the most important effect of fluoride in caries prevention.
	2.	It inhibits demineralization of the tooth enamel. A mineral structure of the tooth that includes fluoride (fluorapatite) is more resistant to demineralization than one without fluoride ( Hydroxyapatite: A complex phosphate of calcium Ca5(PO4)3OH that occurs as a mineral and is the chief structural element of vertebrate bone. hydroxyapatite).
	3.	It makes cariogenic bacteria (eg, streptococcus mutans) less able to produce acid from carbohydrates.

See Chapter 4: Caries for a complete review of the pathogenesis of dental caries.

Sections


1.	Systemic Sources of Fluoride

2.	Topical Sources of Fluoride

3.	Recommendations
		Water Fluoridation
		Fluoride Supplementation

4.	Fluorosis

5.	Toothpaste

6.	Key Points

7.	Self-Assessment Questions