Restorative & Materials · single question
What is the MOA of fluoride in preventing dental caries?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Decreases calcium phosphate solubility in acidic pH
Fluoride prevents caries primarily by: (1) Decreasing the solubility of calcium phosphate (converting hydroxyapatite to fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid dissolution at lower pH); (2) Remineralizing early carious lesions; (3) At higher concentrations, inhibiting bacterial enzymes. The primary MOA tested on INBDE is fluoride's ability to make enamel crystals more acid-resistant by forming fluorapatite, thus reducing demineralization.
- A. ❌ Blocking bacterial adhesion is not the primary MOA of fluoride in caries prevention.
- B. ❌ Fluoride does not significantly increase saliva production.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Fluoride's primary caries-preventive MOA is decreasing calcium phosphate solubility (forming fluorapatite) making enamel more resistant to acid dissolution.
- D. ❌ Fluoride does not directly kill bacteria at the concentrations used in topical/water fluoridation.
Practice Restorative & Materials questions Restorative & Materials study notes