Name the mineral commonly used in toothpaste for dental health.

Name the mineral commonly used in toothpaste for dental health.

• A. Fluoride
• B. Calcium
• C. Magnesium
• D. Sodium

Answer: (A)

Fluoride is the mineral routinely added to toothpaste because it protects against tooth decay. It strengthens enamel and promotes remineralization by forming fluorapatite, a compound more resistant to acid attacks from plaque. Fluoride also helps slow or reverse early decay by hardening the tooth surface and reducing the acids produced by bacteria. While calcium supports tooth structure and magnesium and sodium don’t provide the same preventive effect in toothpaste, fluoride is the active protective agent used to prevent cavities.

Fluoride is the mineral routinely added to toothpaste because it protects against tooth decay. It strengthens enamel and promotes remineralization by forming fluorapatite, a compound more resistant to acid attacks from plaque. Fluoride also helps slow or reverse early decay by hardening the tooth surface and reducing the acids produced by bacteria. While calcium supports tooth structure and magnesium and sodium don’t provide the same preventive effect in toothpaste, fluoride is the active protective agent used to prevent cavities.