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