Fluoride

·Fluoride is a mineral found in varying amounts in all soils, plants, and water supplies.
·Fluoride is a nutrient that prevents tooth decay. Like other minerals in the diet, fluoride helps the body to resist disease, in this case, tooth decay.
·Fluoride is a natural part of tooth enamel and bone.
·Fluoride provides a benefit though two different mechanisms:
   oSystemic fluoride is swallowed and benefits the teeth before and after they erupt in the mouth.
   oTopical fluoride is applied directly to teeth. Topical fluoride benefits teeth that have already erupted into the mouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention named fluoridation of drinking
water one of ten great public health
achievements of the 20th century noting that
it is a major factor responsible for the
decline in dental decay