Fluoride
Minerals
Minerals
A mineral that hardens tooth enamel and helps repair early decay. Given in water, toothpaste and varnish; too much in early childhood causes fluorosis.
Also called: sodium fluoride
Quick facts
- Group
- Minerals
- Target
- Tooth enamel (hydroxyapatite crystals)
- Used for
- Prevention of dental caries
- Key effects
- Dental fluorosis
- Monitor
- Caries in dental check-ups
- ATC
- A12CD01
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Acid made by mouth bacteria after eating dissolves minerals from enamel. Fluoride in saliva and on the tooth surface helps put the minerals back (remineralisation), and enamel that has taken up fluoride is harder for acid to dissolve. Fluoride may also reduce acid production by bacteria. Teeth need a steady low level of fluoride; fluoride taken up before a tooth erupts also makes it more resistant later.
- Bacterial acid dissolves enamel minerals
- Fluoride helps redeposit minerals (remineralisation)
- Fluoride-rich enamel resists acid; fewer cavities
Indications
- Prevention of dental caries (community water, toothpaste, varnish, rinses, gels) Dental caries →
Adverse effects
Common
- Dental fluorosis: faint white lines or streaks on enamel when young children get too much before teeth erupt
Contraindications
- Mouth rinses are not for young children who may swallow them
- Young children use only a small smear of toothpaste and spit it out
Key interactions
- Other fluoride sources (fluoridated water, toothpaste, supplements, rinses)
- Total intake adds up; excess in early childhood causes fluorosis
What is monitored
- Caries in dental check-ups
- White streaks on the teeth of young children (excess)
Administration and safety
- Varnish is applied by a dental or health professional and must be reapplied regularly.
- Children brush with supervision and spit out the toothpaste.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Fluoride in water and toothpaste is part of normal oral health in pregnancy.
Nursing care
- Ask whether the household water is fluoridated or comes from a well.
- Teach caregivers the right amount of toothpaste for the child's age.
- Encourage brushing at least twice a day and regular dental visits.
Pharmacokinetics
- Distribution
- Stored mainly in bones and teeth as calcium fluoride
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How does fluoride prevent caries?
It helps remineralise enamel and makes it harder for acid to dissolve.
What is dental fluorosis, and when does it happen?
White lines or streaks on enamel from too much fluoride while teeth are forming in early childhood.
Who applies fluoride varnish?
A dental or health professional; it is reapplied regularly.
Connections
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: About Fluoride | Oral Health | CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026); Fluoride in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.