Fluoride And Caries

Question 1

What is the ideal concentration of fluoride in water?

Answer 1

1 ppm

Question 2

When can high levels of fluoride negatively impact the teeth?

Answer 2

During the pre-eruptive maturation stage

Question 3

What was the initial assumption on why fluoride helped teeth?

Answer 3

Systemically implemented into the teeth during development

Question 4

T/F: There is a strong benefit from fluoridated water before tooth eruption.

Answer 4

FALSE

Question 5

T/F: Fluorosis risk is increased by ingestion.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

T/F: Topical products are lower risk than systemic supplements.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Describe the process of post-eruptive enamel maturation.

Answer 7

Enamel crystals perfect themselves with the following substitutions:

1. Phosphate for carbonate
2. Calcium for sodium
3. Fluoride for hydroxyl

Question 8

At what pH does hydroxyapatite dissolve?

Answer 8

5.5

Question 9

What happens in acidic conditions if fluoride ions are present?

Answer 9

Hydroxyappetite dissolves but re-precipitates as fluorhydroxyapatite

Question 10

What is the benefit of fluorhydroxyapatite over hydroxyapatite?

Answer 10

Less soluble so it is stronger

Question 11

T/F: High concentrations of fluoride incorporated in the enamel is the most beneficial.

Answer 11

FALSE

Low levels in solution is more beneficial

Question 12

T/F: The subsurface enamel of a lesion will have higher fluoride levels.

Answer 12

False

Surface enamel at site of lesion will have high fluoride

Question 13

T/F: Areas covered by plaque have higher fluoride levels.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

T/F: Worn areas contain higher levels of fluoride.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

T/F: When topical fluoride concentrations are higher than 50 ppm, fluorhydroxyapatite is formed on the outer layers of enamel.

Answer 15

FALSE

When concentrations are below 50 ppm

Question 16

What happens when topical fluoride concentrations are above 100 ppm?

Answer 16

Calcium fluoride precipitates

Question 17

T/F: Acid helps with the deposition of calcium fluoride.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What factors can increase the deposition of calcium fluoride?

Answer 18

1. Increasing concentration of F
2. Increasing exposure time
3. Lowering pH
4. Limit rinsing or cover with varnish

Question 19

T/F: Fluorosis can only occur when teeth are developing.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Where on the tooth is the fluoride concentration highest?

Answer 20

Surface

Question 21

What does fluorosis look like?

Answer 21

Chalky white

Question 22

What does severe fluorosis look like?

Answer 22

Severe pitting and brown stain

Question 23

How does fluoride have antimicrobial effects?

Answer 23

Inhibits OH- binding

Question 24

Fluoride inhibits __________, an enzyme in the glycolysis pathway to lactate production.

Answer 24

Enolase

Question 25

What is the concentration of fluoride toothpastes in the U.S.?

Answer 25

1000 ppm

Question 26

T/F: NaF2 toothpaste is compatible with chalk-based formulas.

Answer 26

False

MFP is

Question 27

What concentration of fluoride can be had in Rx toothpastes?

Answer 27

5000 ppm

Question 28

T/F: Less rinsing is better for fluoride.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What is the official recommendation for patients at high caries risk?

Answer 29

Fluoride supplements (swallowed) however there is not evidence to support this

Question 30

What is the fluoride concentration of most fluoride varnishes?

Answer 30

20,000 ppm

Question 31

What is the storage form of fluoride on the tooth?

Answer 31

CaF2 - Calcium fluoride

Question 32

What happens to CaF2 during acid attack?

Answer 32

Dissolved and increases remineralization by incorporating into fluorapatite

Question 33

Does water fluoridation deposit calcium fluoride onto the tooth surface?

Answer 33

No. Just topical fluorides