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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:
 Healthy
tooth enamel rods before acid's onslaught.
 Enamel
rods demineralized, or broken down, by acid
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 bi-ting surfaces, between
the teeth, and on exposed roots.
Untreated, the cavity becomes larger.
 Decay
spreads beneath the enamel and can destroy the tooth
structure
 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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