Question:

Which inorganic compound is commonly used as an anticaries agent?

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An anticaries agent is a substance that protects teeth from decay (caries). The key is which ion strengthens tooth enamel against acid attack.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Sodium Fluoride
  • Zinc Chloride
  • Sodium Chloride
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
An anticaries agent is a substance that protects teeth from decay (caries). The key is which ion strengthens tooth enamel against acid attack.

Step 1: Sodium fluoride supplies fluoride ions (F). These ions are incorporated into the enamel, converting hydroxyapatite into the harder, more acid-resistant fluorapatite.

Step 2: The fluoride-hardened enamel resists the acids made by mouth bacteria, so sodium fluoride is widely used in toothpastes and water fluoridation to prevent cavities.

Why the others are wrong: Calcium carbonate is mainly an abrasive/antacid, zinc chloride is an astringent, and sodium chloride is just table salt. None of them provide the cavity-protecting fluoride ion.

Answer: Option (2) — Sodium Fluoride.
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