fluoride
/fluoride/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A chemical compound: A salt derived from hydrofluoric acid, containing the fluorine anion (F⁻). 2. A common additive: A form of this compound, often sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride, added to public water supplies, toothpaste, and other dental products to help prevent tooth decay.
Usage and Examples
- General Use: The term is most commonly used in public health and chemistry contexts.
- Many cities add fluoride to the drinking water to improve dental health.
- The chemist analyzed the sample for traces of fluoride.
- In Dentistry and Consumer Products: It frequently appears on labels and in discussions about oral hygiene.
- This toothpaste contains fluoride for cavity protection.
- The dentist recommended a fluoride treatment after the cleaning.
Advanced Usage
- "Fluoridation": The process of adding fluoride to a public water supply.
- The fluoridation of the municipal water has been a topic of public debate.
- "Fluorosis": A cosmetic condition caused by excessive intake of fluoride during tooth development.
- Mild dental fluorosis may appear as faint white streaks on the teeth.
Variants and Related Words
- Fluoridate (verb): To add fluoride to something, especially a water supply.
- The decision to fluoridate the water was made by the city council.
- Fluorine (noun): The chemical element (F) from which fluoride is derived.
- Fluorine is a highly reactive, pale yellow gas.
Synonyms
- None direct: As a specific chemical ion/compound, it has no perfect synonym. In casual contexts regarding dental care, it may be paraphrased as "cavity-fighting mineral" or "dental strengthening agent."
Related Phrases
- Fluoride varnish: A high-concentration fluoride coating applied by dental professionals to teeth.
- The pediatric dentist applied a fluoride varnish to the child's teeth.
- Fluoride rinse: A mouthwash containing fluoride, used to supplement brushing and flossing.
- She uses a fluoride rinse every night before bed.
Noun
- a salt of hydrofluoric acid