Final answer:
Fluoride is the mineral known for preventing tooth decay by reacting with tooth enamel to form a more acid-resistant form, fluorapatite. It is commonly used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and is added to public water supplies to enhance dental health and reduce cavities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemistry in Everyday Life: Fluoride's Role in Dental Health
The mineral known for its role in the prevention of tooth decay is fluoride. Fluoride ions react with hydroxylapatite in teeth to form fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F), which is more resistant to acidic attacks. This makes it less soluble and therefore better at protecting teeth. The use of fluoride in dental care ranges from being an active ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, to its integration in community water fluoridation programs. Water fluoridation is recognized as a cost-effective method to provide fluoride consistently and is known to reduce tooth decay by about 25% in both children and adults. In addition to strengthening enamel, fluoride has antimicrobial properties, making it bacteriostatic. It hampers the metabolism of plaque-forming bacteria, thus reducing acid production responsible for tooth decay. Other dental hygiene practices, such as regular tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, help physically remove microbes and protect teeth from decay. Fluoride also aids in the remineralization of teeth, enhancing their resistance to caries by increasing the uptake of calcium and phosphate ions.