Fluoride for Radiation Patients — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateCommunity Dentistry & EpidemiologyFluoride for Radiation PatientsNDEB AFK

A patient receiving head and neck radiation therapy should use which concentration of fluoride in custom trays for caries prevention?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride (5,000 ppm)

Patients who have received head and neck radiation therapy are at very high risk for radiation caries (rampant, cervical caries) due to severe xerostomia, altered saliva composition, and shift toward cariogenic microflora. They should use custom-fitted fluoride trays with 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride gel (5,000 ppm F) for 5-10 minutes daily for life. Neutral NaF is preferred over acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) because APF etches porcelain/composite restorations and may irritate compromised mucosa.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016