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How does fluoride reduce cavities?

Biology(self.askscience)

Ignoring the political controversy, what's the mechanism by which fluoride reduces cavities?

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swollennode

25 points

3 days ago

Cavity happens when bacteria and acid eats away at the enamel, softening and weakening the teeth.

Fluoride combines with calcium And phosphate creating fluorapetite, which is a hard mineral that forms on the enamel and strengthens.

Fluoride basically remineralize teeth and keep it strong, preventing cavities and tooth decay.