Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in water, including oceans and groundwater. Fluoride dental benefits were discovered by studying population groups that had low tooth decay rates. People that lived in areas that had fluoride naturally present in their water source had less tooth decay than people who did not have fluoride in their water source.

Fluoride not only helps prevent tooth decay, but it can also repair teeth that have been weakened by early stages of decay. Systemic fluoride is the type you drink and it helps infants and children build strong teeth. Topical fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouth rinses or is applied at the dental office and it helps strengthen teeth that are already present in the mouth.

Malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaw closes. The jaw arches may have developed improperly and therefore do not match when closed. Thumb sucking during childhood is one of the most common causes of the dental arches not matching in shape and size.

Malocclusion can also be caused when the teeth are to big for the size of the jaw. Difficulty chewing or discomfort to the teeth and jaw joints may develop from malocclusion. Decay and gum disease are more prevalent in misaligned teeth. Treatments may include braces (orthodontics) or repair of irregular teeth.