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fluoride

/ˈflɔraɪd/
/ˈflɔraɪd/
IPA guide

Other forms: fluorides

Fluoride is that ingredient in toothpaste that keeps tooth enamel strong and helps prevent cavities. Small amounts of fluoride are also present in tap water and certain foods and beverages.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral widely recognized for its oral health benefits. Fluoride is often added to toothpaste and mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. That’s why some communities add it to their water supply systems: Regular exposure to fluoride is generally considered important in maintaining oral hygiene. Fluoride is also found in tea, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables. Now that’s toothsome!

Definitions of fluoride
  1. noun
    a chemical made of fluorine and sometimes another element, used to help prevent tooth decay
    see moresee less
    types:
    boron trifluoride
    a pungent colorless gas
    hydrogen fluoride
    a colorless poisonous corrosive liquid made by the action of sulphuric acid on calcium fluoride; solutions in water are hydrofluoric acid
    stannous fluoride
    a white powder that is used to fluoridate toothpaste
    sulfur hexafluoride, sulphur hexafluoride
    a colorless gas that is soluble in alcohol and ether; a powerful greenhouse gas widely used in the electrical utility industry
    type of:
    halide
    a salt of any halogen acid
Pronunciation
US
/ˈflɔraɪd/
UK
/ˈflɔraɪd/
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