The answer to does fluoride work. Yes and No. When you have adequate mineral intake, Fluoride protects teeth and bones from radiation damage. Fluoride also damages the natural process by blocking enzymes that break down and repair teeth and bones. The biggest differences are seen between soft and hard water. Without the necessary minerals, teeth and bones become porous and more susceptible to decay or fracture. Fluoride is bad for your teeth, but not as bad as radiation. The combination of Fluoride ,Soft Water, and radiation, is really bad.