What is the primary mechanism associated with the role of fluoride in prevention of dental caries?

4 mechanisms: 1) when Fluoride is incorporated into the tooth's enamel it makes it harder for the enamel to lose minerals when exposed to an acid challenge. 2) when Fluoride is in the saliva it makes it easier for the enamel to pick back up minerals that it has lost. 3) Fluoride inhibits the oral bacteria's ability to produce acid. 4) Fluoride inhibits the oral bacteria ability to stick to the teeth.

Fluoride Ions: Fluoride combats the decay primarily by the formation of fluorapatite via remineralization of enamel. The Fluoride ions reduce the rate of tooth enamel demineralization and increase the rate of remineralization of the early stages of cavities. Fluoride also affects the physiology of dental bacteria.

Flouride: Flouride by itself is toxic to the bacteria. The other way it works is on the molecular level. The flourine atom inserts itself into the matrix of the tooth, it either replaces an oh group or goes into void. This action pulls all the molecules closer together to make them more resistant to acid attack.