| Healthy tooth enamel rods before acid's onslaught |
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Enamel rods demineralized (broken down) by acid | |
| Enamel rods remineralized (rebuilt) by fluoride and the minerals in the saliva. |
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Tooth enamel is hard and porous. It consists of many closely-packed rods made of minerals. When you eat, acid forms on the outside of the tooth and seeps into the enamel's pores. This demineralization process can produce a weak spot in the tooth's surface. If unchecked, the enamel can decay and cause a cavity.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the natural
remineralization process. These microscopic views of the tooth's chewing surface show how fluoride works:| Healthy tooth enamel rods before acid's onslaught |
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Enamel rods demineralized (broken down) by acid | |
| Enamel rods remineralized (rebuilt) by fluoride and the minerals in the saliva. |
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Common sources of fluoride are fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste and mouth rinses. High-concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, drops and tablets are available by prescription
When a weak spot on your tooth is detected, at-home fluoride treatments may be recommended to reverse the decay process. If the weak spot is left unchecked, a cavity may form, requiring a filling. If decay is allowed to spread, it may penetrate the root and enter the pulp (nerve) chamber, causing an abscess and requiring root canal treatment.
Progression of Tooth Decay |
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| Tooth decay often begins on biting surfaces, between the teeth, and on exposed roots. |  |
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Untreated, the cavity becomes larger. | |
| Decay spreads beneath the enamel and can destroy the tooth structure. | |
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Decay enters the pulp and an abscess may occur. | |
Use of fluoridated toothpastes and regular dental check-ups can help prevent tooth decay in the early stages.