Which of the following is a preventive treatment for oral health?

Fluoride application is recognized as a preventive treatment for oral health because it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Fluoride works by remineralizing areas of the enamel that may have begun to decay and by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria. Regular application of fluoride, which can come in the form of treatments from dental professionals, fluoride toothpaste, or drinking fluoridated water, plays a critical role in reducing the incidence of cavities, especially in children and those at higher risk of dental caries.

In contrast, other options such as root canal treatment, tooth extraction, and whitening procedures are not preventive. Root canal treatments address an already infected tooth and aim to save the tooth rather than prevent issues. Tooth extractions are typically involved in the removal of teeth that are problematic or decayed, thus not a preventive measure. Whitening procedures are aesthetic treatments that do not contribute to the prevention of dental diseases; they focus solely on the appearance of teeth rather than their health. Therefore, fluoride application stands out as the correct choice for preventive care in oral health.