Fluoride is the ion form of the highly reactive element fluorine. The chemical symbol for fluorine is the letter F. Fluoride is not considered an essential trace mineral because it is not needed for growth or life. Almost all of the fluoride in the body is found in bones and teeth. Fluoride is best known for its role in preventing dental decay.
Bones and teeth contain calcium and phosphorus in a crystal structure known as hydroxyapatite. Fluoride can bond to the hydroxyapatite crystals, transforming the hydroxyapatite crystals into fluoroapatite crystals. The change from hydroxyapatite to fluoroapatite can harden tooth enamel during the years of tooth growth.
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