Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The primary benefit of using fluoride in relation to root surface caries lies in its protective effect on dentine and cementum. Root surface caries typically occur on the surfaces that are exposed due to gum recession, affecting the dentine, which is more porous and less resistant to acid demineralization compared to enamel. Fluoride has the unique ability to interact with the components of dentine and cementum, providing a protective barrier that strengthens these tissues and makes them more resistant to carious lesions.

Fluoride facilitates the remineralization process, which is critical in reversing early demineralization that leads to caries. While it is also beneficial for enhancing remineralization overall, the specific context of root surface caries emphasizes its protective characteristics on dentine and cementum, where the risk of decay is pronounced due to their exposure and vulnerability.

The other options, while they touch on related aspects of fluoride’s action, do not directly address the primary benefit in the context of root surface caries. Protecting enamel, enhancing remineralization, and protecting cuticles are also important considerations but are not the main focus when dealing with root surface caries, which affects the deeper tissues closer to the pulp. Therefore, the choice emphasizing protection