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How does fluoride strengthen tooth enamel?

Question #149596. Asked by BigTriviaDawg.
Last updated Aug 06 2023.
Originally posted Aug 06 2023 7:02 PM.

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psnz star
Answer has 1 vote
psnz star
4 year member
762 replies avatar

Answer has 1 vote.
Fluoride helps form chemical substances in the tooth enamel which prevent decay.
When your saliva contains traces of fluoride, your tooth enamel is able to take it up. Once in the enamel the fluoride combines with phosphate and calcium to create fluoroapatite. This provides a powerful defence against acid and is extremely resistant to decay and cavities.
link https://www.sloandental.co.uk/how-does-fluoride-strengthen-teeth/

Fluoroapatite (or fluorapatite) has a Mohs scale hardness of 5.
link https://wiki2.org/en/Fluorapatite+Newton
Response last updated by psnz on Aug 06 2023.
Aug 06 2023, 7:06 PM
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