Fluoride therapy

Fluoride therapy uses topical or systemic fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk or progression of dental caries.

Remineralization: The restoration of minerals to partially demineralized tooth enamel or dentin. Fluoride helps calcium and phosphate rebuild mineral in early enamel lesions.
Fluoride toothpaste: Toothpaste containing a fluoride compound to help prevent dental caries. Regular brushing provides frequent topical fluoride exposure, the foundation of routine prevention.
Dental fluorosis: A developmental enamel condition caused by excessive fluoride ingestion while teeth are forming. It is the principal visible harm considered when setting fluoride exposure for young children.
Community water fluoridation: The adjustment of public water fluoride to a level intended to prevent tooth decay. This population strategy extends fluoride exposure beyond people who can access dental care.
Demineralization: The loss of mineral from tooth enamel or dentin, often caused by acids. Caries develops when acid-driven mineral loss exceeds fluoride-supported repair.
Fluoridated water: Drinking water adjusted to a fluoride concentration intended to reduce tooth decay. Community water supplies provide repeated low-level exposure across a population.
Fluoride toxicity: Adverse effects caused by ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride. Therapeutic use requires distinguishing controlled exposure from harmful overdose.
Dental caries: A biofilm-mediated disease that causes localized destruction of tooth tissue. Preventing and slowing this disease is the defining purpose of fluoride therapy.
Fluorapatite: A calcium phosphate mineral in which fluoride occupies sites otherwise occupied by hydroxide. Fluoride can make enamel mineral less soluble in acid by favoring fluoridated apatite.
Fluoride mouthwash: A rinse containing fluoride for topical exposure of teeth. Rinses add a topical option for people at elevated caries risk.

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