Fluoridation

Caries develop when bacteria in dental plaque convert sugars from our food into acids. These acids attack the tooth by dissolving minerals from the enamel until eventually a visible "hole" forms in the tooth. Fluoride can remineralize these initially demineralized areas and – withproper brushing using fluoride toothpaste and additional fluoride treatment with gels orvarnishes – even halt the development of cavities. This is more likely for permanent teeththan for baby teeth, as baby teeth have a very thin enamel layer and cavities can quicklybecome very large.

I always recommend using an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste for brushing. The scientific evidence that fluoride can prevent cavities is undisputed today, and various factors in our daily lives, such as diet, unfortunately continue to promote the development of cavities.