Community dentistry: action of 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 · Community dentistry: action of fluoride

Sample item

What is the main cariostatic action of topical fluoride?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Promoting remineralisation and forming acid-resistant fluorapatite

Fluoride in the oral environment promotes remineralisation of early lesions, forming fluorapatite that resists acid. It also reduces bacterial acid production, but does not sterilise the mouth.

Option by option

  • A. Killing all oral bacteria

    Fluoride does not sterilise the mouth.

  • B. Replacing dentin with enamel

    Fluoride does not convert dentin to enamel.

  • C. Raising salivary acidity

    Fluoride does not lower salivary pH.

  • D. Promoting remineralisation and forming acid-resistant fluorapatite (correct)

    Correct. Remineralisation and fluorapatite are key.

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, Promoting remineralisation and forming acid-resistant fluorapatite. Fluoride in the oral environment promotes remineralisation of early lesions, forming fluorapatite that resists acid.

Why is "Killing all oral bacteria" not the answer?

Fluoride does not sterilise the mouth.

Why is "Replacing dentin with enamel" not the answer?

Fluoride does not convert dentin to enamel.

Why is "Raising salivary acidity" not the answer?

Fluoride does not lower salivary pH.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: action of fluoride in Dentistry. It also reduces bacterial acid production, but does not sterilise the mouth.

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 Community dentistry: action of 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.