How Fluoride Works To Prevent Tooth Decay

A  report in the journal Langumir, of the American Chemical Society, gives evidence of how fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouthrinses, and other oral care products prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride penetrates a thin layer to harden the enamel on the tooth surface.  In addition, it also works by impacting the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to the teeth and produce the acid that causes cavities.  By reducing the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing and other activities.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

U.S. Surgeon General Endorses Water Fluoridation

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Banjamin has officially endorsed community water fluoridation as "one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the health of their citizens." She further stated: "Fluoridation's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe dental cavities.  In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it."

Every Surgeon General for the last 50 years has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as a safe and effective weapon in the war against tooth decay.

Source: National Oral Health Conference

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Topical Fluoride Benefits Everyone

Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay 

Fluorides are "the first line of defense in the chemmotherapeutic control of dental caries (decay)". 
Contemporary research has shown that the main effect of fluoride is topical.  The application of topical fluoride causes the acquisition of calcium fluoride-like globules and free fluoride ions.  Lower pH during acid attack results in demineralization and the release of ions from the teeth as well as the release of calcium.  Fluoride and phosphate from the calcium fluoride-like globules, together, with bioavailable free fluoride, remineralizes the tooth as the pH rebounds.

The efficacy and safety of, in particular, professional and home-use topical fluorides is well-established based on the evidence.  Professionally applied fluorides are routinely recommended for developing dentitions, and over-the-counter fluorides in toothpastes are recommended for teens and adults for twice-daily use.  Prescription home-use pastes, gels, and rinses are recommended for additional protection for at-risk patients, such as those with high decay rates, orthodontic patients and those with xerostomia.

Source: Dr. Fiona Collins, Current Concepts in Fluoride Therapy, www.dentallearning.net

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309