Title : Role of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries: Mechanisms, public health impact, and emerging perspectives
Abstract:
The halogen fluoride is nicely allotted throughout the Earth and in no way occurs in a loose state in Nature. Fluorine exists best in combination with other factors as fluoride compounds, that are components of minerals in rocks and soil. Fluoride accumulates within the hard tissues of the frame and is understood to play a crucial function in the mineralization of bones and enamel. Fluoride is an inorganic, monatomic anion of fluorine with the chemical formula F−, whose salts are typically white or colorless. Fluoride has been shown to have negative health effects, and is often added to water supplies without people know it. Fluoride occurs naturally in soil, water, plants and animals in trace quantities. When fluoride is ingested, some is taken up by body tissues, with long-term deposition in teeth and bones. Dental caries is a continuous process of demineralization and remineralization of the enamel and fluoride plays a key role in this process through its action at the plaque enamel interface. Caries-preventive effects of fluoride have been reviewed in this research. Fluoride reduces demineralization in several ways: by reducing bacterial acid production and acidurance; by reducing the equilibrium solubility of apatite; and by fluoridation of apatite crystal surfaces, reducing the dissolution rate, no matter how little solubility remains in the bulk mineral. The objective of the study was to explore the caries preventive role of fluoride in dental health, outcomes of long term exposure to fluoride and population specific risk assessment. In terms of preventing tooth decay, fluoride has been proved crucial but the further longitudinal research is needed to explore the alternative remineralizing agents, evaluate fluoride delivery systems in low-resource settings, and develop balanced public health policies that maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
