Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The chemical compound commonly used in water fluoridation is hydrofluosilicic acid. This compound is particularly favored because it is effective in delivering fluoride to a large population through public water systems. Hydrofluosilicic acid dissociates in water to release fluoride ions, which can help in the remineralization of enamel, preventing dental caries.

When added to water supplies, hydrofluosilicic acid can improve dental health significantly by enhancing the fluoride concentration to levels that are beneficial without being harmful. This method of delivering fluoride helps to create a community-wide effect that has been shown to reduce tooth decay rates over time.

While other compounds listed, such as stannous fluoride and amine fluoride, are helpful in dental products and therapeutics, they are not typically used for water fluoridation due to practicality and cost considerations. Calcium silicofluoride, although also related to fluoride delivery, is less commonly utilized than hydrofluosilicic acid for this purpose.