Dr. John Poirier, DMD, P.A.

Fluoride and Tooth Decay

Tooth enamel is hard and porous. It consist of many closely-packed rods made of minerals. When you eat, acid forms on the outside of the tooth and seeps into the enamel's pores. This demineralization process can produce a weak spot in the tooth's surface. If unchecked, the enamel can decay and create a cavity.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the natural remineralization process. These microscopic views of the tooth's chewing surface show how fluoride works:

Common sources of fluoride are fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste and mouth rinse. Inform us if your drinking water is not fluoridated. High concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, drops and tablets are available by prescription.