Fluoride Mechanism of Action — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyDental Public Health & EpidemiologyFluoride Mechanism of ActionORE Part 1

At the tooth surface, which action best explains fluoride’s anticariogenic effect?

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Correct answer: B — It promotes remineralisation and reduces enamel demineralisation

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as D · D = shown as E

A is correct. Fluoride acts mainly topically at the tooth–oral fluid interface: low concentrations inhibit enamel mineral loss during an acid challenge and promote remineralisation of early lesions. Fluoride-enhanced mineral deposition produces a less soluble, fluoridated apatite phase, increasing resistance to further acid dissolution. B is too absolute: fluoride can affect bacterial metabolism at higher concentrations, but it does not eliminate plaque bacteria and this is not its principal anticaries mechanism. C is incorrect because fluoride is not a physical sealant. D is incorrect because fluoride does not neutralise dietary or plaque acids; it reduces their mineral effect on enamel. E concerns supporting bone and does not explain prevention of enamel caries.

Reference: Featherstone JDB. Mechanistic aspects of the interactions between fluoride and dental enamel. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 1991. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1892991/