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Pure bullshit. Fluoride (F-) is a weak base. Dental plaque produces acid (H+) which is one cause of tooth decay. F- + H+ <-> HF. The Fluoride neutralizes some o
by cyorir 12y ago
Pure bullshit. Fluoride (F-) is a weak base. Dental plaque produces acid (H+) which is one cause of tooth decay. F- + H+ <-> HF. The Fluoride neutralizes some of the acid to reduce tooth decay.
- im3w1l 12y agoThat's not the main way it protects the teeth. If you just wanted to neutralize the acids, you could rinse/drink with a buffer such as milk. Flouride works by integrating with your teeth. It forms a mineral that it is more resistant to acid attack than the mineral teeth are made of naturally.
- scubadude 12y agoYes, the biggest benefit is when the tooth is forming. It's like boro-silicate glass (pyrex) or steel; some atoms in the crystalline structure of the base material are replaced with others, which improves the overall strength of the result. So, like boron improves glass and carbon improves iron (to make steel) then fluoride improves the tooth structure.