Home use of fluoride quiz

This is a 6-question quiz to test your knowledge of the materials provided in the Home use of fluoride. Please record your choices on a piece of paper and use it to compare with the answers we provide at the bottom of this page.

1.   Recommended home-based fluoride strategies for preventing dental caries are

(a)  the choice of fluoridated tap water as the main source of drinking and cooking fluid
(b)  brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste
(c)  fluoride mouthrinse
(d)  fluoride supplements
(e) all of the above
(f)  a  and b.

2.   Rinsing after tooth brushing – Which statement is INCORRECT?

(a)  is necessary to rid the mouth of excess toothpaste.
(b)  dilutes the fluoride concentration in the mouth and affects caries experience
(c)  is not recommended for high risk individuals
(d)  it is recommended for all people that they do NOT rinse after tooth brushing. 

3.    Use of fluoride supplements – Which statement is INCORRECT?

(a)  fluoride tablet use has been quite varied in its effectiveness, mostly related to compliance in its regular intake.
(b)  fluoride supplement use in pre-school years is associated with a significant increase in the risk of dental fluorosis.
(c)  fluoride tablets should be used daily as an alternative source of fluoride in non-fluoridated areas.
(d)  fluoride supplements are not recommended for use in Australia.

4.   Children under 6 years of age at high risk of caries may require additional fluoride to prevent disease development, particularly those living in non-fluoridated areas:

(a)  it may be appropriate to recommend use of a standard toothpaste (1,000 ppm)
(b)  the risk of caries and its sequelae may outweigh the risk of fluorosis and its effects
(c)  the history of fluoride intake of the young child should be evaluated before recommendation of standard strength toothpaste
(d)  recommend more frequent use of junior fluoridated toothpaste
(e)  commencement of toothpaste use at a younger age
(f)  all of the above recommendations should be considered.

5.  The use of high concentration toothpaste containing 5,000 ppm is:

(a)  appropriate for adults and children aged 10 years plus when living in non-fluoridated areas
(b)  limited to teenagers, adults and older adults at high risk of caries
(c)  can be used in limited amounts in all age groups
(d)  limited to preventing onset of dental caries and remineralising early enamel lesions

6.  Children aged 18 months to 5 years: Which statement is INCORRECT?

(a)  Up to  65% of toothpaste used may be swallowed by a 2-year-old, 50% by 3 - and 4 - year-olds and just over 30% by 7year-olds
(b)  Less toothpaste was swallowed when parents supervised brushing
(c)  Parental supervision and assistance with brushing is unnecessary after 4 years of age.
(d)  Following brushing, children should just spit out;  adding water to the mouth to rinse increases the likelihood of swallowing both water and toothpaste
(e)  A small pea-sized amount of low concentration fluoride toothpaste should be used

Please choose your response to the six questions above