A mineral that helps to prevent dental caries by strengthening tooth enamel (see teeth), making it more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride may also reduce the acid-producing ability of microorganisms in plaque. In the , fluoride is added to the water supply; it can also be applied directly to the teeth as part of dental treatment or used in the form of mouthwashes or toothpastes. Ingestion of excess fluoride during tooth formation can lead to fluorosis.
n. a compound of fluorine. The incorporation of fluoride ions in the enamel of teeth makes them more resistant to *dental caries. The ions enter enamel during its formation, and after tooth eruption by surface absorption, forming hydroxyfluorapatite. The addition of fluoride to public water supplies is called *fluoridation. Fluoride may also be applied topically in toothpaste or by a dentist. If the water supply contains too little fluoride, fluoride salts may be given to children in the form of mouthwashes, drops, or tablets.
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