fluoride

(floo′(ŏ)-rīd″ )

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

[ fluor- + -ide ]
A compound of fluorine, usually with a radical; a salt of hydrofluoric acid. Considerable evidence shows that some fluoride compounds prevent dental caries (tooth decay).
Descriptive text is not available for this imageTopical fluoride applications are toxic if swallowed. Seek medical care immediately.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.