"Fluoride's Role In Oral Health"

Jessica Gerlemann
Professor Matt Monzyk
Intro to Chemistry
18 November 2010
Fluoride’s Role In Oral Health
Fluoride is in our toothpaste, mouthwash and even our drinking water. In each of these things Fluoride is maintained to provide a certain amount of oral health. Fluoride plays an interesting role in protecting our teeth. Although it can be poisonous if too much is ingested it is very beneficial for the enamel of our teeth. Fluoride has been used successfully for more than 50 years.
First, fluoride is used in our toothpastes. Fluoride toothpaste developed in the 1950’s. Toothpaste also known as gel dentifrice, is used to maintain the health of the teeth. Specifically, fluoride toothpaste is used in keeping the enamel of teeth clean and strong. Fluoride is the most important part of keeping strong teeth! It works by replacing an ion in the structure of the surface of the enamel. In addition, the fluoride makes the enamel’s surface less susceptible to the attack of acid.
Second, fluoride is used in our mouthwash. The antiseptic rinses have fluoride in them as well as over-the-counter counterparts or cosmetic rinses that were tested and only worked for 10 minutes and usually ceases at the end of two hours. Fluoride in mouthwash plays the same role as it does in the use of toothpaste replacing an ion in the teeth and reducing the amount of cavities. Mouthwash rinses can also contain buffer to reduce acidity.
Third, fluoride is used in our drinking water. Fluoridation is one of the cheapest, effective ways. This is because it is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. It is also very inexpensive. Low risk of tooth decay is best achieved by drinking fluoridated water. It works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. Our water is the largest source of fluoride and it even naturally exists in water. More fluoride is added though to reduce tooth decay.
Frankly, fluoride is our best most effective and inexpensive way to take care of our teeth. It is used several ways to reduce the acidity and sticky germs that enter our mouth. It cleans our teeth and replaces ions in the enamel. These ions that are replaced strengthens our teeth largely and preserves them. Hydroxyapatite, a mineral compound, has the general formula 3Ca₃(PO₄)₂. The hydroxyapatite replaces the OH+ group with F-, or Fluoride. It is the principle inorganic component of bone, teeth and dental calculus. Hydroxyapatite is an inorganic compound of calcium, phosphate and hydroxide found in the bones and teeth. A crystallized lattice like form gives these structures rigidity. Truly then, we can thank fluoride for having a good role in keeping up our oral health maintained.