Fluoride deficiency is associated with which condition?

Fluoride deficiency is associated with which condition?

• A. Dental caries
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Rickets
• D. Scurvy

Answer: (A)

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and aids in remineralization, making enamel more resistant to acid that causes decay. When fluoride is present, enamel forms fluorapatite, which is less soluble in acid, and plaque bacteria are less able to produce damaging acid. Without enough fluoride, enamel becomes more prone to demineralization and caries develops more easily. The other conditions listed arise from different nutrient issues (bone density problems for osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency for rickets, vitamin C deficiency for scurvy) and are not specifically linked to fluoride status. So the condition most associated with fluoride deficiency is dental caries.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and aids in remineralization, making enamel more resistant to acid that causes decay. When fluoride is present, enamel forms fluorapatite, which is less soluble in acid, and plaque bacteria are less able to produce damaging acid. Without enough fluoride, enamel becomes more prone to demineralization and caries develops more easily. The other conditions listed arise from different nutrient issues (bone density problems for osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency for rickets, vitamin C deficiency for scurvy) and are not specifically linked to fluoride status. So the condition most associated with fluoride deficiency is dental caries.