CARIES PREVENTATIVE INGREDIENTS
- Fluoride may be included in oral health products in many forms, including sodium fluoride (NaF), sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride and stannous fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the teeth against caries by making the enamel less soluble and by promoting remineralization. [Manson & Eley, 1995] At the same time, it interferes with the metabolism of plaque bacteria and so may help inhibit plaque acid production. [Slots & Taubman, 1992]
- Calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) has been reported to increase the amount of fluoride that is taken up into tooth enamel. [Forward et al., 1979] CaGP present in the toothpaste has also been reported to increase the amount of calcium and phosphate available for the remineralization of enamel. [Duke et al., 1979]
Download a dental caries slide set detailing the roles of different types of fluoride in reducing caries