It has been shown that sodium fluoride has inhibited the growth rate of S. mutans using glucose as an energy and carbon source.

[2] Previous research came across this question in elucidating the cofactor thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch.

[10] The bound fluoride ligand is found to be located within the center of the riboswitch fold, enclosed by three Mg2+ ions.

[2] The fluoride acts as a hardening agent with the enamel base on teeth, remineralizing and protecting them from harsh acids and bacteria in the oral cavity.

[11] Additionally, its significance lies in the effect of the toxicity of fluoride at high concentrations to bacteria, especially those that cause dental caries.

Additionally, the fluoride riboswitch and the downstream regulated genes can be potential targets for drug development in the future.

Overall, these advancements will help towards making fluoride and future drugs strong protectors against oral health disease.