Fluoride is a compound of elemental fluorine that is prevalent in nature in water, soil, air and food. Fluoride ions are abundant in biological tissues and are easily absorbed into enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Once the teeth develop, the fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to corrosion and facilitates remineralization, which helps to repair early decay before the damage can even be seen. Two forms of fluoride protect the teeth: systemic fluoride and topical fluoride.
