Fluoride for Caries Control

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

1. Describe the ravages of dental caries prior to widespread water fluoridation programs took place.
2. Discuss in quantitative terms the progress recorded in the fight against caries through the use of fluorides.
3. Describe the contributions made by pioneering public health advocates, such as Dr. McKay and Dr. Dean, in bringing to the attention of the dental profession the problem of “mottled enamel.”
4. Describe the cariostatic activity of fluoride.
5. List 7 sources of fluoride and distinguish between the benefits derived from the systemic ingestion of fluoride and the topical application.
6. Discuss the benefits and risks of water fluoridation.
7. Discuss the controversy surrounding water fluoridation. State the opposing points of view.
8. State the cost of water fluoridation in various size communities.
9. Define fluorosis. Explain causes of fluorosis and the relationship between fluoride content of drinking water, DMFT and the index of fluorosis.
10. List 4 sources of food and beverage products that contain sizable concentrations of fluoride.