Preventive dentistry: fluoride: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Preventive dentistry: fluoride

Sample item

What is the principal anticaries action of topical fluoride?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Enhances remineralization and reduces enamel solubility

Topical fluoride promotes remineralization of early enamel lesions and makes enamel more resistant to acid challenge. It complements, rather than replaces, mechanical plaque removal and dietary measures.

Option by option

  • A. Eliminates the need for brushing

    Brushing remains necessary for plaque control.

  • B. Dissolves dentin to remove plaque

    Fluoride does not dissolve dentin.

  • C. Causes permanent pulp anesthesia

    Fluoride does not anesthetize the dental pulp.

  • D. Enhances remineralization and reduces enamel solubility (correct)

    Correct. Fluoride supports mineral recovery and acid resistance.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Enhances remineralization and reduces enamel solubility. Topical fluoride promotes remineralization of early enamel lesions and makes enamel more resistant to acid challenge.

Why is "Eliminates the need for brushing" not the answer?

Brushing remains necessary for plaque control.

Why is "Dissolves dentin to remove plaque" not the answer?

Fluoride does not dissolve dentin.

Why is "Causes permanent pulp anesthesia" not the answer?

Fluoride does not anesthetize the dental pulp.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Preventive dentistry: fluoride in Dentistry. It complements, rather than replaces, mechanical plaque removal and dietary measures.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Preventive dentistry: fluoride?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.