Does fluoride inhibit bacterial enolase?
The results of recent studies have shown that fluoride can affect bacterial metabolism through a set of actions with fundamentally different mechanisms. It can act directly as an enzyme inhibitor, for example for the glycolytic enzyme enolase, which is inhibited in a quasi-irreversible manner.
How does fluoride inhibit demineralization?
In the 1980s, it was established that fluoride controls caries mainly through its topical effect. Fluoride present in low, sustained concentrations (sub-ppm range) in the oral fluids during an acidic challenge is able to absorb to the surface of the apatite crystals, inhibiting demineralization.
What is the mechanism of action of sodium fluoride?
Sodium fluoride kills bacteria that cause caries, such a Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli 10 by interfering with their metabolic activities that result in the formation of lactic acid. Fluoride ions cause the inhibition of glycolytic and other enzymes involved in bacterial metabolism.
How does fluoride interact with teeth?
Fluoride helps because, when teeth are growing, it mixes with tooth enamel — that hard coating on your teeth. That prevents tooth decay, or cavities. But fluoride can help even after your teeth are formed. It works with saliva to protect tooth enamel from plaque and sugars.
Is sodium fluoride antibacterial?
The present study also confirms that sodium fluoride mouth rinse is a potent antibacterial with antifungal ability and this finding is in agreement with previous reports.
How does fluoride help with remineralization?
Fluoride enhances remineralization. Fluoride speeds up the growth of the new surface by bringing calcium and phosphate ions together and is also preferentially incorporated into the remineralized surface. This produces a surface which is now more acid resistant.
What is the role of fluoride in the demineralization remineralization process?
Fluoride plays a key role in this process by aiding the transformation through the mineral phases, enhancing crystal growth, speeding up the remineralization process, and inhibiting demineralization at the crystal surfaces. In summary, both calcium and phosphate are needed for remineralization.
What is the function of sodium fluoride?
SODIUM FLUORIDE (SOE dee um FLOOR ide) is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. It helps to prevent dental decay and is also used as a fluoride supplement.
What does sodium fluoride do in mouthwash?
SODIUM FLUORIDE (SOE dee um FLOOR ide) is a mineral rinse that strengthens tooth enamel. It is used to prevent cavities in the teeth of children.
Does fluoride really Remineralize teeth?
Fluoride is a crucial ingredient in remineralization because, once fluoride is in your enamel, it combines with calcium and phosphate to create a defense system that prevents cavities.
Why does fluoride treatment render teeth more resistant to decay?
Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay.