Fluoride: What It Is and How It Protects Your Teeth

Fluoride plays a key role in keeping our teeth strong and healthy. Most people are familiar with fluoride through toothpaste or drinking water, but many still ask: what exactly is fluoride, and why is it so important for dental health? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water, soil, plants, and certain foods. In dentistry, fluoride is well known for its ability to prevent tooth decay. Because of its proven benefits, fluoride is commonly added to toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional dental treatments.

How Does Fluoride Protect Your Teeth?

Every day, your teeth go through a natural cycle of demineralisation and remineralisation.

Demineralisation occurs when acids in your mouth attack the tooth enamel. These acids are produced by bacteria in plaque when they feed on sugars and carbohydrates from food and drinks. Over time, these acid attacks cause the minerals in the enamel to break down, making the teeth weaker and more prone to cavities.

Remineralisation is the body’s natural repair process. Saliva helps restore lost minerals back into the enamel, strengthening the tooth surface. Fluoride plays an important role in this stage by enhancing remineralisation and making the enamel more resistant to future acid attacks.

• Demineralisation = acids from plaque bacteria and sugary foods attack the tooth enamel

• Remineralisation = minerals like calcium and fluoride help repair and strengthen the enamel

Fluoride supports this process in three important ways:

• Strengthens tooth enamel
  Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks, helping prevent cavities before they start

• Repairs early tooth decay
  In the early stages of decay, fluoride can actually reverse damage by rebuilding weakened enamel

• Reduces harmful bacteria
  Fluoride helps limit the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to produce acid.

Why Is Fluoride Important at Every Age?

Fluoride benefits both children and adults:

• Children need fluoride to help developing teeth grow stronger and more resistant to decay

• Adults benefit from ongoing protection against cavities and enamel wear

• Older adults may rely on fluoride even more, especially if they experience dry mouth or gum recession

Where Do We Get Fluoride?

Fluoride comes from several everyday sources, including:

• Fluoridated toothpaste

• Drinking water in many communities

• Mouth rinses recommended by dentists

• Professional fluoride treatments at the dental office

• Certain foods and drinks, such as tea and seafood

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes. Fluoride has been extensively researched and is safe when used as recommended. Dental products and community water supplies contain carefully controlled levels of fluoride.

For young children, it’s important to use the correct amount of toothpaste:

• A rice-sized smear for children under 3

• A pea-sized amount for children aged 3–6

This helps maximise benefits while minimizing the risk of swallowing too much fluoride. 

Do You Need Professional Fluoride Treatments?

Professional fluoride treatments provide a higher concentration of fluoride than over-the-counter products. They may be especially beneficial if you:

• Are prone to cavities

• Have sensitive teeth

• Wear braces or other orthodontic appliances

• Experience dry mouth

• Have exposed tooth roots due to gum recession

Final Thoughts

Fluoride is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy smile. By strengthening enamel and protecting against cavities, fluoride supports long-term oral health for patients of all ages.

If you have questions about fluoride or would like to know whether professional fluoride treatments are right for you or your child, our dental team is always happy to help.