Tooth
enamel is hard. It consists 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 rods. 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:
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Healthy tooth enamel rods before acid's onslaught. |
| Enamel rods demineralized, or broken down, by acid |
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Enamel rods
remineralized or rebuilt, by
fluoride and the minerals in saliva. | Common sources of fluoride are fluoridated drinking
water, toothpaste and mouth rinse. Inform your dentist if your drinking
water is not fluoridated. High concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses,
drops and tablets may be recommended by your dentist.
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Your dentist
may recommend at home fluoride treatments to reverse the decay
process. If the weak spot is left unchecked, a cavity
may form, necessitating a filling. If decay is allowed to spread, it
may penetrate the root and enter the pulp (nerve) chamber, causing an
abscess and requiring root canal treatment.
Progression of tooth decay:
| Tooth decay often begins on biting surfaces, between the teeth, and on exposed
roots. |
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Untreated, the cavity
becomes larger. |
| Decay spreads beneath the
enamel and can destroy the tooth structure |
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Decay
enters and infects the pulp and
an abscess may occur. | Use of fluoridated toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay at its
early stage.
Be sure to follow
the special home care instructions provided by your dental
professional.
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