A 35-year-old member asked:
What is fluoride for?
5 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Brodskyanswered
Geriatrics 60 years experience
Fluoride: Fluoride, for dental uses, is a chemical element that, when properly applied to tooth enamel, makes that enamel more resistant to being disolved by the acids tooth decay germs produce that create caries (cavities)
Fluoride (Fl) can also become part of the tooth structure if it is ingested by children during the time their teeth are forming..
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Fluoride: Fluoride is used to make the teeth harder and more resistant to decay. It becomes incorporated into the enamel structure, replacing a hydroxyl group in the enamel crystal structure. Because it is a bigger atom it makes the enamel harder for acids to attack and destroy the enamel.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Oswald Cameron-Moralesanswered
Dentistry 44 years experience
Fights decay: Fluoride is s natural mineral found in many foods and water. Tooth enamel looses minerals by the action of acids on the tooth( demineralization ) resulting in decay. Fluoride helps to replace some of those minerals ( remineralization) . However controversy exist on the use of fluoride due to its possible toxic effects in the body.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Fluoride: In dentistry, fluoride is used to strengthen the outer surface of the tooth- the enamel, and in some cases to reduce sensitivity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
Fluoride is mineral: that is proven to protect against tooth decay.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What do you think about fluoride?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Neil Liebowitzanswered
Psychiatry 41 years experience
Great: I was young when floride was put in the water. I drank lots of water since my grandfather told me to, pulling out his complete dentures to demonstrate the consequences of not. I ate lots of candy and junk food and have no cavities at 58. My parents and older sibs all have lots of cavities and some needed partial dentures. I would not buy toothpaste without it as my current water is without flo
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Why does our water have fluoride in it?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 42 years experience
Prevention: Strengthens enamel and prevents tooth decay.
http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What is luride (fluoride)?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Howard Schneideranswered
Pediatric Dentistry 36 years experience
A fluoride suppl.: Luride (fluoride) is a specific brand of dietary Fluoride supplement that is often prescribe for children who live in Fluoride deficient areas to help strengthen their tooth enamel.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 9, 2015
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