Mechanisms of Action of Fluoride in Dental Caries

The benefits of using fluoride to prevent caries have been known for many years but a complete understanding of this mechanism is still researched'. Scientists have proposed that fluoride have several functions. A predominant part of the cario-static activity of fluoride is a function of its concentration in the fluid environment of the tooth2. Fluoride works best when a constant, low level of this mineral is maintained in the oral cavity3. The most important caries inhibitory role of fluoride is topical or post eruptive, although a pre-eruptive role continue to be suggested1,4,5,6.