Final answer:
Fluoride combats dental caries by strengthening tooth enamel through the formation of fluorapatite and by possessing antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacteria responsible for acid production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluoride is essential in protecting against dental caries (cavities) by decreasing and reversing tooth demineralization. When a person consumes sugary foods, bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes minerals from the tooth's surface, which weakens the tooth and increases the risk of cavities. Fluoride helps to rebuild and strengthen the tooth's enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. This is achieved through the formation of fluorapatite, which is less soluble and more resistant to acid attacks compared to hydroxyapatite, the natural form of enamel. Additionally, fluoride has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the metabolism of plaque-forming bacteria, reducing their acid production that contributes to tooth decay. Community water fluoridation and fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes are ways to provide consistent doses of fluoride to help maintain oral health and combat cavity formation.