#6 Plaque control and dental caries Flashcards
Alright, this one is going to be pretty short. You ready?
I’m ready.
Does brushing your teeth without fluoride prevent caries?
Nope
Does brushing your teeth with fluoride prevent caries?
Yep
Does toothbrushing achieve optimal plaque removal? Why?
Nope, the bristles don’t fit in the pits and fissures
T/F patients need to use fluoridated toothpaste for toothbrushing to be effective against caries?
True
When is the absolute best time to brush your teeth? Why/why not?
Just before bed- this allows for prolonged fluoride contact with teeth.
Should you rinse a lot after brushing?
no
What is better, manual or powered toothbrushes?
Powered ones are better for plaque reduction and reducing gingivitis
When you go home and floss, does it do anything?
False! You have yet to be trained with floss! Daily home flossing by someone who isn’t trained in the art of flossing has no effect on caries! (but flossing is good for your periodontal health) Maybe one day they’ll train us…
T/F Effective oral hygiene measures are probably more important for the maintenance of periodontal health than for the prevention of decay.
True
Tell me about the effects of semi-annual professional prophylaxis and what that does to caries rates?
Nothing
Is using antibiotics regularly a good idea for plaque control?
Nope- it’ll kill bacteria, but then you’ll get some resistant strains and you won’t have any good bacteria left
Is there anything more effective than fluoride with respect to caries prevention?
No. Nor will there ever be anything that can beat fluoride. FLUORIDE!
Are rinses effective against periodontitis? Why/why not?
Nope- they don’t enter the sulcus. Some can help gingivitis though.
Should you use chlorhexidine?
Never- it causes staining, calculus, taste alterations, tissue irritation
