Question

how does fluoride work to prevent dental caries?
check all that apply
during tooth formation, fluoride is incorporated into tooth structure, which strengthens teeth to make them resistant to erosion by the acids produced by oral bacteria.
fluoride ions prevent oxidation of tooth enamel, thus protecting it from free radical destruction.
fluoride is a mild abrasive agent that scrubs bacteria from the surface of the teeth during mastication.
fluoride becomes a component of saliva, which bathes the teeth and protects teeth from erosion by the acids produced by oral bacteria.

Explanation:

• Option 1: During tooth development, fluoride integrates into the tooth structure (like enamel), making teeth stronger and more resistant to acid erosion from oral bacteria. This is a correct mechanism of fluoride in caries prevention.
• Option 2: Fluoride's role in caries prevention is not related to preventing oxidation or free - radical destruction of tooth enamel. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: Fluoride is not a mild abrasive agent. Abrasive agents are different substances (like in some toothpastes for cleaning), and fluoride's action is not through scrubbing bacteria. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: Fluoride can be present in saliva. Saliva with fluoride can help protect teeth from acid erosion by oral bacteria. This is a valid mechanism as fluoride in saliva can remineralize teeth and prevent demineralization caused by acids.

Answer:

1. During tooth formation, fluoride is incorporated into tooth structure, which strengthens teeth to make them resistant to erosion by the acids produced by oral bacteria.
2. Fluoride becomes a component of saliva, which bathes the teeth and protects teeth from erosion by the acids produced by oral bacteria.