Which statement about fluoride and caries management is accurate according to the material?

• A. Topical fluoride can arrest brown cavitations and prevent new lesions
• B. Fluoride is ineffective in caries prevention
• C. Fluoride should be avoided in early childhood
• D. Fluoride cures existing cavitations

Answer: (A)

Fluoride’s role in caries management hinges on its ability to promote remineralization and reduce demineralization at the tooth surface, which helps stop the progression of early lesions and lowers the chance of new ones forming. Topical fluoride does this by enhancing remineralization and forming fluorapatite, a more acid-resistant mineral, in the enamel and dentin. Brown cavitations are typically arrested, inactive lesions that have surface hardening and discoloration; fluoride helps maintain these lesions in a halted state and prevents further breakdown. Importantly, fluoride cannot reverse or “cure” a cavity once structural loss has occurred; a cavity usually requires restorative treatment. In early childhood, fluoride is not avoided but used with appropriate guidelines to maximize benefit and minimize fluorosis risk, such as age-appropriate toothpaste amounts and supervision.