**Fluoride Flashcards
Define: fluroride
a natural mineral nutrient derived from fluroine
Define: flurosis
an abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluoride
Define: flouridation
the process of adding fluoride to the public water supply
What does it mean that fluoride has “substantivity?”
it continues to work even after the fluoride is no longer in contact with the tooth surface
What is the natural fluoride content of normal human bone?
0.01-0.3%
What is the natural fluoride content of healthy enamel?
0.01-0.02%
What is the optimal level of fluoride to prevent decay without causing mottled enamel?
0.7 ppm
When measuring fluoride levels, what does “ppm” mean?
parts per million
List some benefits of using fluoride.
-reduction of decay
-reduction of long-term/extensive dental care
-prevention of premature primary tooth loss
-improved bone density
Can fluoride be placed on permanent dentition?
yes
Define: acute fluoride poisoning
when large amounts of fluoride are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body at one time
Define: chronic fluoride poisoning
ingestion of high fluoride levels in water, or a combination of several fluoride sources, over a long period of time
What is the difference between acute and chronic fluoride poisoning?
acute is high amounts at one time; chronic is small amounts over a long period of time
What is the lethal dose of fluoride in adults?
2.5-10g
What is the lethal dose of fluoride in infants?
0.25g
Does fluoride in dentistry pose a concern for acute fluoride poisoning?
No
Define: systemic fluoride
fluoride that in ingested and circulated through the body to the developing teeth
Define: topical fluoride
fluoride that is applied in a high concentration to the outer tooth structure
What is the difference between topical and systemic fluoride?
topical is applied to the outer tooth surface and systemic is ingested into the body
What needs to be assessed to determine an individual patient’s need for fluoride?
-age
-frequency of dental visits
-diet
-home care
-amount of fluoride received from other sources (ex: public water supply)
What are examples of prescription dietary supplements of fluoride?
tablets, drops, or vitamins
What is the age recommended for prescription fluoride supplements?
ages 2-16 years, but not under 6 months
What are examples of over-the-counter fluoride?
toothpastes, gels, or mouthrinses
What is the best and most accessible form of fluoride for patients?
fluoride toothpaste
List the three types of fluoride solutions/
-sodium fluoride
-acidulated phosphate fluoride
-stannous fluoride
What is the ppm of sodium fluoride?
9,050 ppm
What is the pH level of sodium fluoride?
7.0 pH
What is the ppm of acidulated phosphate fluoride?
12,300 ppm
What is the pH level of acidulated phosphate fluoride?
3.9-4.0 pH
What types of fluoride solution are contraindicated for patients with cosmetic restorations, and why?
acidulated phosphate fluoride and stannous fluoride, because they can cause staining
What is the ppm of stannous fluoride?
19,300 ppm
How much topical fluoride varnish is needed to cover an entire dentition?
0.3-0.5mL
Do teeth need to be completed dried prior to topical fluoride varnish application?
No
Why doesn’t topical fluoride varnish need to have the teeth completely dried prior to application?
because it sets in the presence of moisture
Does topical fluoride varnish have a high or low risk of systemic uptake?
low
True or False: Topical fluoride varnish should only be applied to the occlusal surfaces of teeth.
False
What does “SDF” stand for?
silver diamine fluoride
What is the ppm of silver diamine fluoride?
44,800 ppm
What are of the mouth would be beneficial for SDF treatment?
in areas of decay that are hard to access or isolate for conventional restorations
Why is SDF contraindicated in anterior teeth?
it stains the area being treated by turning the carious lesion black
