Fluoride
Guide
Not all fluoride is the same. Concentration determines whether you're maintaining healthy teeth or actively reversing decay.
Get Your Oral Assessment →How fluoride works
Your enamel is made of hydroxyapatite — a calcium phosphate mineral. When oral pH drops below 5.5, acid dissolves this mineral in a process called demineralization. Fluoride works by integrating into the enamel structure and forming fluorapatite, a harder, more acid-resistant mineral that doesn't dissolve until pH drops below 4.5.
This isn't just protection — it's active repair. When fluoride is present alongside calcium and phosphate (as in saliva), it accelerates the redeposition of minerals into micro-defects in the enamel surface. Combined with nano-hydroxyapatite, this process is significantly enhanced.
Fluoride concentrations explained
Standard OTC toothpaste
Prevents new cavities from forming in healthy mouths. Not enough to reverse early decay.OneOral Gel 1100
Combined with nano-HAp, actively repairs micro-defects and hardens enamel. Requires licensed provider.Prescription fluoride
For patients with active decay or extremely high cavity risk.Frequently asked
How does fluoride prevent cavities?
Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl groups in hydroxyapatite to form fluorapatite — a significantly harder mineral that resists acid dissolution at lower pH levels (down to ~4.5 vs 5.5 for regular enamel).
Why does concentration matter?
Higher concentrations deliver more fluoride ions per application, leading to deeper and faster mineral deposition. Standard OTC concentrations maintain healthy enamel; therapeutic concentrations actively reverse early decay.
Is fluoride safe?
Yes, at therapeutic concentrations. Dental fluorosis only occurs during tooth development in childhood from excessive ingestion — not from topical adult use. The OneOral formulas are designed for topical adult application.
Why can't I buy 1,100 ppm at a grocery store?
The FDA requires any fluoride product above 1,000 ppm to be dispensed under professional supervision. This ensures correct usage and rules out contraindications — not because it's dangerous, but because concentration matters.
Get therapeutic-strength fluoride
OneOral Gel 1100 pairs 1,100 ppm sodium fluoride with nano-hydroxyapatite for the most complete remineralization formula available without a full prescription.
Start Your Treatment →Dispensed through licensed dental providers