Dental Care with Fluoride

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Questions and Answers

What is the most cost-effective way to prevent caries?

Daily use of fluoridated toothpaste

What is the recommended fluoride concentration for children under 3 years?

1000 ppm F

What is the purpose of using fluoride varnishes in addition to fluoride toothpaste?

To obtain additional caries reductions

Why is it important to ensure the fluoride in toothpaste is available as free fluoride ion?

To prevent the fluoride from being bound to abrasive compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of toothpaste for young children over 3 years?

A pea-sized portion of toothpaste Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with using toothpaste in children under 3 years?

Fluorosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative to using a 1000 ppm F toothpaste in children under 3 years?

Using the family paste Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended fluoride concentration for the family paste?

1350-1500 ppm F Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency of brushing teeth to prevent caries?

Twice a day, at night and at one other time Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended concentration of fluoride in toothpaste for children under 3 years?

1000 ppm Signup and view all the answers

Why should rinsing with water after brushing be discouraged?

To maximize the topical effect of the fluoride Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to oral hygiene instruction?

Check patients' oral hygiene at every clinical appointment Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using powered toothbrushes with an oscillating/rotating movement?

They are more effective in removing plaque and improving compliance Signup and view all the answers

Why is disclosing useful in oral hygiene instruction?

It helps to identify areas where plaque is present Signup and view all the answers

What should dental practices consider as part of their philosophy?

Checking patients' oral hygiene at every clinical appointment Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked when a patient brings their toothpaste to a clinical appointment?

The concentration of fluoride in the toothpaste Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for cleaning the lingual surfaces of the upper and lower anterior teeth?

Turning the brush vertically Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using an interdental brush in patients with wide interdental spaces?

To access areas that a regular toothbrush cannot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which fluoride prevents dental caries?

By reducing the production of acid by oral bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of fluoride delivery in community programmes?

Professionally applied gels, varnishes, or supervised rinsing programmes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using fluoride toothpaste for regular daily use?

It allows for individual control over fluoride intake Signup and view all the answers

What was the previously held belief about the role of fluoride in caries prevention?

Fluoride had to be incorporated into developing enamel to exert its maximum effect Signup and view all the answers

What is a common vehicle for fluoride delivery in addition to toothpaste?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using fluoride in caries prevention?

It reduces the production of acid by oral bacteria Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Fluoride Use for Caries Control

Daily use of fluoridated toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to prevent caries.
Combining fluoridated toothpaste with other topically-applied fluoride treatments (e.g., varnishes) can lead to additional caries reduction.
The fluoride in toothpaste must be available as free fluoride ion, not bound to abrasive compounds.

Fluoride Toothpaste for Children

For children under 3 years, use a small smear of toothpaste containing 1000 ppm F (if available) or the family paste on a small brush.
After 3 years, use the family paste (1350-1500 ppm F) with a small pea-sized portion.

Toothbrushing Technique

Use a gentle vibratory motion or rotary movement of the handle to facilitate penetration of the brush bristles.
For lingual surfaces of upper and lower anterior teeth, turn the brush vertically.

Interdental Cleaning

Use dental floss to facilitate plaque removal on approximal spaces.
In situations with wide interdental spaces, an appropriately-sized interdental brush (e.g., Tepe brush) is ideal.

The Role of Fluoride in Caries Control

Fluoride has played a key role in preventing and controlling dental caries for over 60 years.
Fluoride has been used in various ways, including:
- Fluoridation of water supplies
- Addition to domestic salt, milk, and chewing gum
- Prescribing fluoride tablets to children
- Community programs using gels, varnishes, or supervised rinsing programs
- Addition to toothpastes for regular daily use

Oral Hygiene Instruction

All patients should have their oral hygiene checked at each dental visit.
Patients should attend appointments with their brush and toothpaste.
The practice philosophy should include checking toothpaste for active fluoride and ensuring children under 3 years have a paste containing 1000 ppm fluoride.
Disclosing is a useful tool to evaluate oral hygiene.

Toothbrushes

Powered toothbrushes with an oscillating/rotating movement are more effective in removing plaque and may improve compliance.