What Is Fluoride? How It Works and Who Needs It

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and many foods and it is an important part of oral health practices around the world.

Professional dental organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Medical Association all support the use of fluoride in maintaining and improving dental health. The ADA even refers to fluoride as "nature’s cavity fighter" due to its long-proven effectiveness in protecting teeth.

Every day, your teeth go through cycles that can either weaken or strengthen them, a natural remineralization and demineralization process. 

When you eat or drink, bacteria naturally present in the mouth feed on sugars and carbohydrates, creating acids. These acids can lower the pH in your mouth and slowly dissolve minerals from the surface of your teeth—that is demineralization. Fluoride increases resistance to these acid attacks by reinforcing tooth enamel, making it more resilient to acids, resulting in less demineralization. Fluoride helps to reverse this process, by helping those minerals to return to teeth, a process called remineralization.

Fluoride also helps to reverse this process by helping to replenish those lost minerals (e.g., calcium and phosphate) that serve to keep your enamel hard and healthy. This process is called remineralization.  Because fluoride helps protect against demineralization and enhances remineralization, it can reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay before a restorative treatment is required.  Fluoride supports strong teeth for people of all ages.

Fluoride is for everyone. While children benefit from fluoride, adults can also rely on fluoride to protect teeth against the acids produced by bacteria and enamel wear, as part of their regular oral care routine. Beyond that, fluoride is also  beneficial for adults who:

• Experience dry mouth

• Have gum recession or exposed roots

• Have dental fillings, crowns, or bridges

• Have an increased risk of tooth decay

Regular use of fluoride, either at home as part of your regular oral care routine, or as part of your dental professional visits, supports oral health in people at every stage of life. Talking to your dentist for guidance is the best way to get the protective benefits of fluoride.

By making fluoride part of your daily routine, you’re joining millions around the world in choosing a simple, effective tool for lasting oral health.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.