fluoride
FLOOR-ide
/ˈflʊər.aɪd/
A compound containing fluorine that helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Used specifically for minerals or compounds added to toothpaste and tap water to remineralize tooth enamel.
The story behind the word. Fluoride traces back to the Latin verb 'fluere', meaning 'to flow', because fluorspar (calcium fluoride) was used as a flux in metallurgy to make molten metals flow easily. When chemists isolated fluorine compounds, they retained the root, and 20th-century researchers discovered that trace amounts of fluoride incorporate into enamel crystals, making teeth highly resistant to acid.
Commonly confused with
- fluorine: Fluorine is a toxic, highly reactive gaseous element, whereas fluoride is a chemical compound or ion safely used in dental hygiene.
Word family
- fluoridate (verb): To add fluoride to a water supply or toothpaste.
- fluoridation (noun): The process of adding fluoride.
Collocations
- fluoride toothpaste
- fluoride treatment
- fluoridated water
- topical fluoride
Example sentences
- "Adding fluoride to municipal drinking water has dramatically reduced cavity rates across entire populations." Public health policy
Memory hook
FLUORIDE lets health FLOW to your enamel. FLUORIDE = Mineral that protects enamel.
When not to use
Do not confuse fluoride (a safe compound in small doses) with elemental fluorine gas.
Fun facts
- Fluoride converts hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel into fluorapatite, which is far more resistant to acid attack!
Explore more words
Moisturize, purifier, hydrate, toiletries, preservative, refrigerator
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