Fluoride
F⁻
Fluoride is a chemical element with the symbol F and atomic number 9. It is the most electronegative and reactive of all elements. Fluoride is found widely in nature and is commonly found in soil, air, and water. It is also an important element in toothpaste, mouthwash and is added to many drinking water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
In dentistry, fluoride is used to help prevent dental caries (cavities) by strengthening teeth and making them more resistant to decay. Fluoride works by remineralizing tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth. When tooth enamel is weakened by acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, fluoride helps to repair the damage by replenishing calcium and phosphate ions in the enamel, making it more resistant to future decay.
However, overexposure to fluoride can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting of the teeth. In extreme cases, excess fluoride can even lead to skeletal fluorosis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, as well as skeletal deformities. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that public water systems in the United States maintain a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, which is considered safe and effective for preventing tooth decay without causing adverse effects.
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