Also known as: Sodium Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride
Fluoride is a trace mineral well-established for its role in dental health and cavity prevention through enamel remineralization. Its use as a dietary supplement is limited and controversial, with most benefits derived from topical application in toothpaste and water fluoridation.
Fluoride is the ionic form of fluorine, the 13th most abundant element in the earth's crust. Its primary health benefit is the prevention of dental caries through incorporation into tooth enamel as fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid dissolution than hydroxyapatite. Water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L has been one of the most successful public health interventions, reducing cavities by 25% in children and adults. Pharmacological doses of sodium fluoride (40–80 mg/day) were historically investigated for osteoporosis treatment, but results were disappointing due to increased bone fragility despite higher density. As a dietary supplement, fluoride's role is narrow and primarily limited to pediatric dental supplementation in non-fluoridated areas. Excess intake causes dental fluorosis (cosmetic enamel changes) and, at very high chronic doses, skeletal fluorosis.
Fluoride integrates into tooth enamel as fluorapatite, increasing resistance to acid demineralization by oral bacteria. Community water fluoridation reduces cavities by approximately 25%.
Fluoride accelerates the remineralization of early carious lesions by attracting calcium and phosphate ions to damaged enamel surfaces.
Once daily, preferably at bedtime after brushing
Only recommended where water fluoride content is below 0.3 mg/L. Prescription required in most countries.
Pediatric caries prevention in non-fluoridated areas
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