The clinical use of fluoride Flashcards
List some groups of children who are being targeted fro prevention of dental caries
- Young caries price children
- Disabled
- Socially deprived/ low socio economic
- Immigrant groups
What does prevention include
- Diet control
- Tooth brushing
- Flouride
- Fissure sealants
- Regular check ups at the dentist
Talk through the mechanisms of fluoride
- Decreases the solubility of enamel
- Inhibition of plaque bacterial enzyme system
- Inhibits demineralisation when in solution
- Enhances remineralise by forming fluroapatite
State the critical pH
5.5
What happens to enamel when the pH drops below 5
it demineralises
What happens to enamel when the pH is above 7
Remineralises
What happens to hydroxyapatite in the presence of fluoride
It form fluorapatite
Describe fluorapatite
Fluorapatite is resistant to acid attack until the pH drops to 3.5
Where is fluoride most effect in the oral cavity
Activity of the fluoride ion in the oral fluid is of most importance in reducing enamel solubility
Where can fluoride be found
- Mouth wash
- Supplements
- Varnishes
- Toothpastes
- Gels
- Water, salt and milk
- Devices
What is the optimum level of fluoride in water
1 ppm
If the water fluoridation level is 1ppm what effect does this have on caries
Caries can be reduced by 50 %
How effective are fluoride tablets and drops
Results of caries reduction vary 20-80%
What are the disadvantages of prescribing fluoride tablets and drops
Poor compliance and overdosing can lead to fluorosis
How much fluoride does toothpaste contain
1000 or 1450 ppm in adult toothpaste
250-500ppm in child formulas
What advice should we give parents about their childs oral health
- Brush twice a day
- The child may need help with brushing
- Half a pea size amount or small smear of toothpaste
- Rinse dont spit
List some factors involved in the balance between caries and fluorosis
- F concentration of paste
- Amount of paste used
- Water rinsing
- Frequency of brushing
Which has more benefits brushing before or after breakfast
Before
What are the benefits of brushing before breakfast
- Removes plaque
- Minimises acidogenic response
- Provides intra oral fluoride before acid challenge
What are the problems with brushing after breakfast
- Acidogenic response has occurred.
- Teeth softened
- Further mineral loss by abrasion of tooth brushing
- No fluoride before acid attack (breakfast)
What advice should we give parents about when to brush their Childs teeth
First thing in the morning and last thing at night
When should we apply fluoride varnish
Bi annual application or quarterly
How effective are mouth rinses
20-50% Caries reduction
How effective are fluoride varnishes
50-70% caries reduction
