Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry Flashcards

What is the optimal fluoride concentration in community water fluoridation recommended by the US Public Health Service?

Answer: 0.7 mg/L

The US Public Health Service recommends 0.7 mg/L as the optimal fluoride concentration for community water fluoridation to prevent caries while minimizing fluorosis.

Which index measures the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in a population?

Answer: Dean's Fluorosis Index

Dean's Fluorosis Index scores fluorosis severity from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe) and is used to determine community fluorosis prevalence.

Which type of prevention focuses on restoring teeth already damaged by disease?

Answer: Tertiary prevention

Tertiary prevention aims to restore function and reduce complications from existing disease, such as placing restorations or prosthetics.

What does the DMFT index measure?

Answer: Decayed, Missing, and Filled permanent Teeth

DMFT records the number of permanent teeth that are Decayed, Missing due to caries, or Filled to quantify caries experience in a population.

Which bacteria is most associated with the initiation of dental caries?

Answer: Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is the primary cariogenic bacterium, producing lactic acid and colonizing smooth tooth surfaces to initiate decay.

Which preventive agent is applied professionally as a high-concentration varnish or gel to reduce caries risk?

Answer: Fluoride varnish (22,600 ppm)

Fluoride varnish containing 22,600 ppm sodium fluoride is applied professionally to high-risk patients for caries prevention.