Fluorides and their Role in Demineralization and Remineralization of Teeth

Prof Dr Vinayak

 Caries were   identified as a major public health problem in 1940s and prevention is always better than cure.

The battle to keep teeth strong and healthy is dependent upon a magical ratio between demineralizaton and remineralization that occurs in our teeth.

Demineralization is a process of removal of minerals from the outer tooth enamel. 

Remineralization on the other side is the process of restoring minerals into to hydroxyapatite lattice structure of the teeth 

In this scientific era new advances have changed our idea from "cure"to "prevention".

Remineralization is achievable using Ionic technology that  mainly includes fluorides.

Fluorides works primarily via topical mechanism which includes ,

1.inhibition ofdemineralization at the crystal surface

2., enhancement of remineralzation at crystal surface, and 

3.at high concentration inhibition of bacterial enzymes.

HOW FLUORIDES WORK ON YOUR TEETH;

Simply put.....as the pH rises new and larger crystals that contain more fluoride  are formed,thus  reducing the enamel demineralisation by forming crystalline strong structure of  fluor hydroxy apatite crystals in your teeth and enhancing remineralisation.

SOURCES OF FLUORIDES

1.Fluoride containing  dentifrices such as  fluoride containing toothpaste have been proven to reduce the incidence of caries especially in children.

2.Fluoride containing mouth rinses have been found to raise the concentration of fluoride in saliva for severalhours after use

3.Fluoride releasing dental materials used by dentists  have been found to protect against caries in enamel and dentin. They have a synergistic effectwith fluoride rinses or dentrifrices in inhibiting demineralization in your teeth

4.Pitand fissure sealants used by dentists   are effective in preventing  small pit and fissure caries seen mostly in children 

CONCLUSION

Fluorides have anti caries effect and if used judiciously can stop your caries from progressing by promoting remineralisation of early caries.

FLUORIDES FOR PREVENTION OF CARIES