Fluoride is a mineral that we interact with on a daily basis. Fluoride is nature's fighting mechanism against cavities and tooth decay. Hence, fluoride is added to toothpastes, mouth rinses and drinking water to provide dental benefits. However, the right amount of fluoride intake is crucial. Both, deficiency and over intake of fluoride can have detrimental effects on our body, specifically during pregnancy and infancy stages.
Benefits of Fluoride Our teeth are susceptible to mineral loss, due to acids formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in our mouth. This is known as demineralisation. When these minerals are not restored to the enamel layer, it leads to tooth decay and cavities. This is the major factor behind mothers forbidding their children from eating chocolates as kids! Fluoride changes the structure of the outer layer of the tooth in its development stages, making our teeth…