Fluoride
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Fluoride
Fluoride is a chemical that helps prevent tooth decay. It is added to local water supplies, toothpastes, and other mouth care products.
Fluoride controls bacteria and makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride also helps repair teeth that have already been slightly damaged by plaque.
Fluoride supplements are available by prescription if concentrations in the local water supply are too low. Usually, fluoride levels are only low in well water and some water supplies in rural areas.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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