National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which is the primary purpose of fluoride treatment?

Staining teeth
Hardening enamel
Reducing cavity risk
Whitening teeth

The correct answer is: Reducing cavity risk

Fluoride treatment is primarily aimed at reducing the risk of cavities. When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it enhances the process known as remineralization. This process involves the repair of tooth enamel that has been demineralized due to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. By making the enamel stronger and more resistant to acid, fluoride effectively helps to prevent the formation of cavities. Additionally, fluoride works by inhibiting the ability of bacteria to produce acids that contribute to tooth decay, thus lowering the overall risk of cavities developing. While other aspects like enamel hardening and staining may be associated with fluoride treatment, the main goal is to significantly cut down on cavity occurrence, making it a key component in preventive dental care.