Is Fluoride Good for Your Teeth?

Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in some water supplies and in certain foods, and it is frequently added to toothpaste and to mouth rinses. It is especially important for children to receive adequate fluoride, particularly when their teeth and bones are developing. When properly used, fluoride is good for teeth.

Although we recommend using fluoride toothpaste, sometimes additional applications of fluoride varnish can help to strengthen tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to tooth decay. Fluoride applications can be particularly helpful for children at risk of tooth decay or who already have signs of weak spots in their tooth enamel.

Tooth decay can develop when acids in the mouth attack the tooth enamel and fluoride helps to repair the damaged before it can become too serious. For the best protection, teeth need a constant low-level supply of fluoride and this is often obtained through drinking fluoridated water or through brushing with fluoride toothpaste.