Fluoride-Releasing Dental Restorative Materials: An Update*

The fluoride ion has a well-established beneficial role in dentistry in protecting the teeth from assault by caries. It is known to contribute to the dynamic mineralisation process of the natural tooth mineral, and also to become incorporated with the mineral phase, forming a thin layer of fluorapatite. This is more resistant to acid attack than the native hydroxyapatite, hence protects the tooth against further decay. Other recently discovered aspects of the role and uptake of fluoride will also be discussed.