6 Fluoride

Question 1

how does fluoride prevent caries?

Answer 1

promotes remineralisation
fluoro-apatite formed less susceptible to demineralisation
topical effect greatest
causes less acid to be produced
most effective on early lesions

Question 2

what are the 2 types of oral fluoride reservoir?

Answer 2

mineral deposits

biologically/bacterially bound calcium fluoride

Question 3

how does fluoride varnish work?

Answer 3

colophony resin hardens in contact with saliva to maintain contact of fluoride with the tooth

Question 4

how does calcium fluoride work?

Answer 4

during acid attack pH falls
fluoride more bioavailable at lower pH
so release of fluoride ions into oral environement
fluoride + phosphate on surface drive towards remineralisation