Which statement about using fluoridated toothpaste to gain benefits is true?

• A. It should be swallowed to gain benefit
• B. It requires active brushing to receive benefit
• C. It works even if you don't brush
• D. It should be rinsed away immediately

Answer: (B)

The beneficial effect comes from topical fluoride delivered to the teeth during brushing. The act of brushing distributes the fluoride across all tooth surfaces, helps remove plaque, and allows fluoride to interact with enamel long enough to promote remineralization and reduce demineralization. If you don’t brush, fluoride never gets adequately applied to the tooth surfaces, so the protective effect is lost. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste isn’t how the benefit is achieved, and rinsing away toothpaste immediately washes away fluoride, shortening its contact time. In short, active brushing is needed to receive the fluoride's protective benefits.