FLUORIDE Flashcards
What is Fluoride?
It’s a mineral that makes teeth more resistant to decay.
It slows demineralization and enhances remineralization
What patients would fluoride be recommended to?
Children
Recurrent Carie’s patients
Non Fl water areas
What are the sources of fluoride? List examples.
Topical
- toothpaste, mouth rinses, professional solutions, gels and varnishes
Systemic
- water, fluoride supplements, certain foods
What is Fluorapatite?
A crystal clear that is formed when fluoride combines with phosphorus and hydrogen to enamel
Where is fluoride stored?
95% of fluoride is stored in bones
How is fluoride metabolized?
Intake -> Absorption -> Excretion
In what 3 periods can fluoride be acquired?
Pre- eruptive: Mineralization
Pre- eruptive: Maturation
Post Eruption
Define the pre-eruptive mineralization stage:
Source is systemic
Fluoride is deposited during the formation of enamel
Too much fluoride could result in fluorosis at this time
Define the pre-eruptive maturation stage:
Fluoride deposit continues on the surface of the enamel
Acquires the most fluoride
Define the post eruptive stage:
Fluoride continues to enter the enamel and strengthen it.
Demineralization vs Remineralization
Demineralization
- the breakdown of the tooth structure with a loss of mineral content
Remineralization
- the recovery of the demineralized process
