There's fluoride in your toothpaste and even in your water. But
how does it work to keep teeth healthy? Let's find out. Fluoride
is a natural element found in the earth's crust as well as in
water and air. Decades ago, scientists discovered that kids who
naturally had more fluoride in their drinking water had fewer
cavities. In the mid-1940s, communities started to put more
fluoride in their water supplies to protect people against tooth
decay. 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. By using fluoride
toothpaste, for instance, everyone can enjoy some cavity
protection. Fewer cavities means healthier teeth when you're an
adult — and less chance of having to wear false teeth (dentures)
when you're old! So how do you get your fluoride? Ask your
dentist the next time you have an app