Fluoride

Trace mineral · teeth

What does Fluoride do in your body?

Makes tooth enamel more resistant to acid and helps repair early decay.

What does Fluoride do?

Incorporates into enamel as fluorapatite, which resists acid better, and slows bacteria's acid production.

Where does Fluoride act in the body?

Teeth and bones.

Which foods contain Fluoride?

Fluoridated water, toothpaste, tea, seafood.

How much Fluoride do adults need?

Adequate Intake: 4 mg (men), 3 mg (women). Upper limit: 10 mg for adults.

What happens with too little Fluoride?

Higher risk of tooth decay.

Can you get too much Fluoride?

In childhood, excess while teeth form causes dental fluorosis (white marks). Very high long-term exposure can affect bones.

What does Fluoride interact with?

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What is known and unknown about Fluoride?

Fluoride toothpaste reduces cavities (strong evidence). Debate continues about water fluoridation levels.

Evidence & sources

• Fluoride toothpaste reduces tooth decay in children and adolescents compared with non-fluoride toothpaste. Evidence: strong. Known: Cochrane review of many randomized trials. Unknown: — Source: Cochrane, Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019).

Connected topics

• Mouth & Teeth
• Toothpaste
• Bone Tissue
• The Dose Makes the Poison

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.