**Fluoride

Question 1

Define: fluroride

Answer 1

a natural mineral nutrient derived from fluroine

Question 2

Define: flurosis

Answer 2

an abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluoride

Question 3

Define: flouridation

Answer 3

the process of adding fluoride to the public water supply

Question 4

What does it mean that fluoride has “substantivity?”

Answer 4

it continues to work even after the fluoride is no longer in contact with the tooth surface

Question 5

What is the natural fluoride content of normal human bone?

Answer 5

0.01-0.3%

Question 6

What is the natural fluoride content of healthy enamel?

Answer 6

0.01-0.02%

Question 7

What is the optimal level of fluoride to prevent decay without causing mottled enamel?

Answer 7

0.7 ppm

Question 8

When measuring fluoride levels, what does “ppm” mean?

Answer 8

parts per million

Question 9

List some benefits of using fluoride.

Answer 9

-reduction of decay
-reduction of long-term/extensive dental care
-prevention of premature primary tooth loss
-improved bone density

Question 10

Can fluoride be placed on permanent dentition?

Answer 10

yes

Question 11

Define: acute fluoride poisoning

Answer 11

when large amounts of fluoride are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body at one time

Question 12

Define: chronic fluoride poisoning

Answer 12

ingestion of high fluoride levels in water, or a combination of several fluoride sources, over a long period of time

Question 13

What is the difference between acute and chronic fluoride poisoning?

Answer 13

acute is high amounts at one time; chronic is small amounts over a long period of time

Question 14

What is the lethal dose of fluoride in adults?

Answer 14

2.5-10g

Question 15

What is the lethal dose of fluoride in infants?

Answer 15

0.25g

Question 16

Does fluoride in dentistry pose a concern for acute fluoride poisoning?

Answer 16

No

Question 17

Define: systemic fluoride

Answer 17

fluoride that in ingested and circulated through the body to the developing teeth

Question 18

Define: topical fluoride

Answer 18

fluoride that is applied in a high concentration to the outer tooth structure

Question 19

What is the difference between topical and systemic fluoride?

Answer 19

topical is applied to the outer tooth surface and systemic is ingested into the body

Question 20

What needs to be assessed to determine an individual patient’s need for fluoride?

Answer 20

-age
-frequency of dental visits
-diet
-home care
-amount of fluoride received from other sources (ex: public water supply)

Question 21

What are examples of prescription dietary supplements of fluoride?

Answer 21

tablets, drops, or vitamins

Question 22

What is the age recommended for prescription fluoride supplements?

Answer 22

ages 2-16 years, but not under 6 months

Question 23

What are examples of over-the-counter fluoride?

Answer 23

toothpastes, gels, or mouthrinses

Question 24

What is the best and most accessible form of fluoride for patients?

Answer 24

fluoride toothpaste

Question 25

List the three types of fluoride solutions/

Answer 25

-sodium fluoride -acidulated phosphate fluoride -stannous fluoride

Question 26

What is the ppm of sodium fluoride?

Answer 26

9,050 ppm

Question 27

What is the pH level of sodium fluoride?

Answer 27

7.0 pH

Question 28

What is the ppm of acidulated phosphate fluoride?

Answer 28

12,300 ppm

Question 29

What is the pH level of acidulated phosphate fluoride?

Answer 29

3.9-4.0 pH

Question 30

What types of fluoride solution are contraindicated for patients with cosmetic restorations, and why?

Answer 30

acidulated phosphate fluoride and stannous fluoride, because they can cause staining

Question 31

What is the ppm of stannous fluoride?

Answer 31

19,300 ppm

Question 32

How much topical fluoride varnish is needed to cover an entire dentition?

Answer 32

0.3-0.5mL

Question 33

Do teeth need to be completed dried prior to topical fluoride varnish application?

Answer 33

No

Question 34

Why doesn't topical fluoride varnish need to have the teeth completely dried prior to application?

Answer 34

because it sets in the presence of moisture

Question 35

Does topical fluoride varnish have a high or low risk of systemic uptake?

Answer 35

low

Question 36

True or False: Topical fluoride varnish should only be applied to the occlusal surfaces of teeth.

Answer 36

False

Question 37

What does "SDF" stand for?

Answer 37

silver diamine fluoride

Question 38

What is the ppm of silver diamine fluoride?

Answer 38

44,800 ppm

Question 39

What are of the mouth would be beneficial for SDF treatment?

Answer 39

in areas of decay that are hard to access or isolate for conventional restorations

Question 40

Why is SDF contraindicated in anterior teeth?

Answer 40

it stains the area being treated by turning the carious lesion black