Fluoride
A trace mineral that protects teeth from decay.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a trace mineral best known for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. It becomes part of the enamel and helps it resist the acid that causes decay. Most dietary fluoride comes from fluoridated water and tea rather than from solid foods.
Health benefits of Fluoride
- Strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities
- Supports remineralization of early tooth damage
- Contributes in small amounts to bone structure
Top food sources of Fluoride
See full rankingFluoridated tap water, brewed tea, seafood and some fluoride-rich produce. Values shown per 100 g.
Tea, instant, sweetened with sugar, lemon-flavored, without added ascorbic acid, powder
584 mcg
Tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water
373 mcg
Tea, instant, unsweetened, powder, prepared
335 mcg
Tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water, decaffeinated
269 mcg
Raisins, seedless
234 mcg
Crustaceans, crab, blue, canned
210 mcg
Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white
202 mcg
Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white, Chardonnay
202 mcg
Crustaceans, shrimp, mixed species, canned
201 mcg
Crustaceans, shrimp, mixed species, cooked, breaded and fried
166 mcg
Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, all
153 mcg
Grape juice, canned or bottled, unsweetened, with added ascorbic acid
138 mcg
How much Fluoride do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Adequate Intake is about 3 mg per day for women and 4 mg for men, much of it from fluoridated water.
Fluoride deficiency
Too little fluoride is associated with a higher rate of tooth decay, which is why many water supplies are fluoridated.
Can you have too much Fluoride?
Excess fluoride while teeth are forming can cause dental fluorosis — usually harmless white mottling on the teeth. Very high chronic intakes can affect bone.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fluoride do?
Fluoride is a trace mineral best known for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. It becomes part of the enamel and helps it resist the acid that causes decay. Most dietary fluoride comes from fluoridated water and tea rather than from solid foods.
How much Fluoride do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Adequate Intake is about 3 mg per day for women and 4 mg for men, much of it from fluoridated water.
Which foods are highest in Fluoride?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Tea, instant, sweetened with sugar, lemon-flavored, without added ascorbic acid, powder, Tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water, Tea, instant, unsweetened, powder, prepared, Tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water, decaffeinated, Raisins, seedless.
What happens if I don't get enough Fluoride?
Too little fluoride is associated with a higher rate of tooth decay, which is why many water supplies are fluoridated.
Can you have too much Fluoride?
Excess fluoride while teeth are forming can cause dental fluorosis — usually harmless white mottling on the teeth. Very high chronic intakes can affect bone.