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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