An important effect of fluoride is its ability to accelerate the remineralization of demineralized enamel. That means, it can expedite the repair process for cavities that are starting to form and also from acid erosion due to acidic food consumption.
With that being said, it isn't absolutely necessary to be using fluoridated products (toothpaste, mouthwash, tap water) but the protective benefits are undeniably helpful.
How fluoride helps remineralization
Fluoride influences the remineralization process by accelerating or initiating it just by the mere presence of it near demineralized enamel.
Studies have shown that an intact tooth surface is NOT as reactive to fluoride vs a demineralized one. That means healthy teeth don't react/interact with it as opposed to unhealthy teeth which more readily do.
Overall, a tooth that is demineralizing whether it be from decay or acid erosion, will more readily take up fluoride because it knows that it is in danger. What we can take away from this is that a tooth in distraught can benefit greatly from fluoride.
We find it absolutely fascinating that the mouth will not use the fluoride if it doesn't need it but when it does need it, it will voraciously take it in.
While helpful, fluoride isn't necessary
Even though the presence of fluoride can accelerate the remineralization process, it isn't absolutely necessary for it to occur. In other words, even without fluoride the enamel can still remineralize albeit at a less than optimal environment.
Yes, demineralized teeth can still remineralize without it!
How teeth remineralize without fluoride: When the pH in the mouth decrease to below the critical level of 5.5 the remineralization process will begin.
The bicarbonate buffering system in saliva will start neutralizing acid in the mouth.
Free calcium and phosphates in the saliva can also be taken up by demineralized enamel to repair itself.
Essentially, the repair process can still move forward even without fluoride.
However, don't go thinking that means fluoride is useless since remineralization can occur without it because fluoride will actively pull calcium and phosphates back into the enamel. This action is the reason why we call it an acceleration of repair. You can think of this ion as something akin to a conductor at an orchestra, instructing the repair minerals to do its job more efficiently!
Other benefits
Aside from the ability to expedite the repair process, fluoride can also strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to acid dissolution. In other words, it can make it stronger by making it less likely to demineralize.
Studies have shown that when the enamel takes in fluoride, it converts the tooth structure (hydroxyapatite) into fluorapatite, which comes with a slew of new benefits.
Increased resistance to acid dissolution.
Decreases mineral solubility.
Increased stability of mineral structure.
Promotes remineralization to reverse cavities.
Ultimately, fluorapatite's demineralization threshold lowers the critical pH down to 4.5 instead of 5.5, which is essentially 10x more resistant to acid dissolution. The reason it is a 10x improvement is because pH is on a logarithmic scale.
Takeaway
Unbeknownst to most people, a very important benefit of using fluoride-based odentists in Long Island Cityral care products is its ability to accelerate remineralization. The mere presence of this mineral will fast track the repair process for your weakened enamel.
For that reason alone, our dentists in Long Island City highly recommend using a fluoride toothpaste. But if you don't want to for whatever reason, at least choose another anti-caries ingredient like hydroxyapatite. Last but not least, proper oral hygiene is still not a substitute for annual dental checkups, so if you're nearby we are accepting new patients!
