Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

Fluoride plays a crucial role in caries prevention primarily by enhancing the remineralization processes. When fluoride is present, it can incorporate into the surface of enamel, forming fluoroapatite, a more stable mineral than hydroxyapatite, which is the primary mineral found in teeth. This incorporation not only strengthens the enamel but also helps restore minerals to early carious lesions, making the enamel less susceptible to acid attacks from bacteria.

During the remineralization process, minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which can be leached from the enamel during demineralization due to acid exposure from dietary sugars and bacterial activity, are replenished. The presence of fluoride enhances this process by promoting the uptake of these minerals back into the enamel structure, thus reversing the early stages of dental caries.

While the other options touch on important processes related to dental health, they are not the primary mechanism through which fluoride contributes to caries prevention. Fluoride does not primarily engage in promoting calcium absorption or replacing calcium in the enamel matrix, nor is its main action to directly prevent bacterial growth; rather, its key influence is in the enhancement of remineralization, which plays a vital role in maintaining the health and integrity of tooth enamel.