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Public Health · single question

Each of the following can decrease caries risk during orthodontic treatment EXCEPT:

  1. Topical fluoride application
  2. Good oral hygiene and compliance
  3. Chlorhexidine rinse
  4. Increased systemic fluoride supplementation
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Correct answer: D. Increased systemic fluoride supplementation

  • A. Incorrect — topical fluoride DOES decrease risk. It directly remineralizes enamel at bracket/band margins.
  • B. Incorrect — oral hygiene DOES decrease risk and is the most important preventive measure.
  • C. Incorrect — chlorhexidine DOES decrease risk by reducing S. mutans and biofilm.
  • D. Correct — EXCEPTION. Systemic fluoride supplementation does NOT help prevent caries in orthodontic patients because enamel is already formed. Systemic fluoride only benefits developing (pre-eruptive) teeth. TOPICAL, not systemic, fluoride is effective post-eruption.

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