Start practicing

Pharmacology · single question

Regarding topical/systemic fluoride for caries prevention, which property is generally considered more clinically relevant than simple bioavailability?

  1. Fluoride bioavailability alone
  2. Substantivity (the fluoride's ability to bind to and be retained on/in tooth structure and oral surfaces over time, providing prolonged low-level release)
  3. Color of the fluoride product
  4. Taste of the fluoride product
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Substantivity (the fluoride's ability to bind to and be retained on/in tooth structure and oral surfaces over time, providing prolonged low-level release)

Substantivity — the property that determines how well a fluoride product binds to and is retained on dental hard tissue and oral surfaces, providing sustained low-level fluoride release over time — is generally considered more clinically important for caries prevention efficacy than simply whether fluoride is bioavailable (absorbed/available) at the moment of application.

Practice Pharmacology questions Pharmacology study notes

More Pharmacology practice questions