Which statement describes a characteristic of fluoridated toothpaste?

Which statement describes a characteristic of fluoridated toothpaste?

• A. Provides moderate-dose (1000 mg/L) fluoride topically on a 2-3 times per day basis; Very effective, readily available and low cost; Requires active use; Ingestion a concern in younger children
• B. Provides no fluoride
• C. Provides high-dose fluoride weekly
• D. Not effective

Answer: (A)

Fluoride toothpaste works mainly through topical action on the teeth. When you brush, it delivers fluoride directly to the surface at a moderate concentration—about 1000 mg/L (ppm)—and this happens with daily brushing two to three times. This regular, low-dose exposure helps remineralize early enamel lesions and inhibits ongoing demineralization, which lowers the risk of caries. It’s also highly accessible and inexpensive, making it a staple of preventive care. Because fluoride is present, there’s a risk of swallowing it, especially with young children, so supervising brushing and using only a small, pea-sized amount for kids is important. The other statements don’t fit: toothpaste with no fluoride wouldn’t provide caries protection; a high-dose fluoride regimen weekly isn’t how toothpaste is used and isn’t appropriate for routine care; and saying it’s not effective contradicts the extensive evidence supporting fluoride toothpaste in caries prevention.

Fluoride toothpaste works mainly through topical action on the teeth. When you brush, it delivers fluoride directly to the surface at a moderate concentration—about 1000 mg/L (ppm)—and this happens with daily brushing two to three times. This regular, low-dose exposure helps remineralize early enamel lesions and inhibits ongoing demineralization, which lowers the risk of caries. It’s also highly accessible and inexpensive, making it a staple of preventive care. Because fluoride is present, there’s a risk of swallowing it, especially with young children, so supervising brushing and using only a small, pea-sized amount for kids is important. The other statements don’t fit: toothpaste with no fluoride wouldn’t provide caries protection; a high-dose fluoride regimen weekly isn’t how toothpaste is used and isn’t appropriate for routine care; and saying it’s not effective contradicts the extensive evidence supporting fluoride toothpaste in caries prevention.