The Role of Fluoride in Erosive Tooth Wear.

Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing erosive tooth wear, with varying effectiveness depending on the fluoride compound and dental tissues involved. Fluoride combined with stannous (F/Sn) and titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) shows superior effects compared to other fluoride compounds, mainly due to the formation of acid-resistant layers (TiF4 and F/Sn), and by the incorporation of metal cations into dental tissues (F/Sn), thus enhancing resistance to erosive demineralisation. However, methodological differences in study designs, such as variations in exposure times, acid concentrations and mechanical forces like toothbrushing, as well as the variety of formulations such as toothpastes, mouthrinses or higher concentrated fluoride preparations, introduce significant variability in study outcomes. While extensive research generally supports the benefits of fluoride compounds, clinical trials are missing. Future research should prioritise clinical validation of the protective effects of fluoride, especially regarding different patient risk groups.