Fluoride toothpaste is sometimes recommended because fluoride
prevents plaque formation
hardens the enamel of the tooth
kills pathogenic bacteria
prevents tooth ache
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
Fluoride toothpaste is sometimes recommended because fluoride hardens the enamel of the tooth.
Fluoride works by strengthening the tooth enamel through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present in the mouth, it is incorporated into the crystalline structure of the enamel, forming fluorapatite. Fluorapatite is more resistant to acid dissolution than hydroxyapatite, the original mineral in enamel. This increased resistance helps protect teeth from decay caused by acids produced by bacteria in plaque, effectively hardening the enamel and making it more resilient to cavities.