Which of the following mechanisms explains how fluoride works on enamel?
a. Fluoride ions will displace the hydroxide ions in hydroxyapatite, creating fluoroapatite.
b. Fluoride ions will increase the number of enamel rods.
c. Fluoride ions will decrease the amount of hydroxyapatite.
d. Fluoride ions will decrease the penetration of bacteria into enamel.
a. Fluoride can help in disease modification and prevention. When fluoride is exposed during or after enamel formation, fluoride ions will displace the hydroxide ions in hydroxyapatite, creating fluoroapatite. This new matrix is much more stable, less soluble, and more resistant to the acid attack of the bacterial metabolic by-products.
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