Chemical plaque control

Question 1

how is periodontal disease controlled?

Answer 1

plaque levels must be below the patients disease threshold
- higher the patient susceptibility the better the plaque control needs to be

Question 2

what is a good visible way to explain to patients that plaque causes periodontal disease?

Answer 2

plaque chart
blue = older
pink = newer

Question 3

is mouthwash recommended?

Answer 3

no

Question 4

what is the recommended concentration for fluoride?

Answer 4

1000-1500ppm

Question 5

what does triclosan do?

Answer 5

reduces plaque, gingivitis, bleeding gums and tooth decay

Question 6

what are the antibacterial modes of action?

Answer 6

prevent adhesion of primary and secondary plaque bacteria, bacterial growth and formation of plaque matrix

modify the plaque and bacteria to be less pathogenic

Question 7

what are anti-calculus (tartar) agents called?

Answer 7

crystal growth inhibitors

Question 8

what do desensitisers in toothpaste do?

Answer 8

block the dentine tubules or reduce sensitivity of the nerve

Question 9

name a desensitiser in toothpaste?

Answer 9

Novamin

Question 10

what is the mode of action for Novamin?

Answer 10

releases ions that react forming a hydroxyapatite layer which is resistant to physical removal and harder than dentine

Question 11

what does substantivity mean?

Answer 11

ability for a drug to be on the site long enough to cause effect

Question 12

what do abrasives in toothpaste need to do?

Answer 12

need to clean adequately without damaging enamel/dentine

Question 13

what are the functions of detergents and abrasives in toothpaste?

Answer 13

so it foams up which helps distribute it around the oral cavity and prevents the separation of liquid and solid phases during storage

Question 14

what is the function of thickeners in toothpaste?

Answer 14

give consistency

Question 15

what is the function of humectants and preservatives in toothpaste?

Answer 15

keeps moisture in so doesn’t dry out and prevents bacterial growth

Question 16

what can flavouring and sweeteners in toothpaste cause?

Answer 16

irritation

Question 17

what is wrong with herbal/natural toothpaste?

Answer 17

often don’t contain fluoride, low abrasiveness and no evidence base for effectiveness

Question 18

what is advised with smoking toothpaste?

Answer 18

can be very abrasive and can wear enamel so check and avoid it

Question 19

what are the side effects of biguanide antiseptics - corsodyll

Answer 19

Parotid gland enlargement

Increased calculus formation

Staining of teeth, mucous membranes and tongue from chlorohexidine binding tanins e.g. tea

Unpleasant taste/alteration of taste sensation

Mucosal redness/burning/erosion

Question 20

what is recommended as an alternative to corsodyll for necrotising gingivitis?

Answer 20

oxygenating mouthwash - hydrogen peroxide

Question 21

what are the disadvantages of alcohol in monuthwash?

Answer 21

Dry the oral mucosa and increase sensitivity of teeth

May lead to alcohol toxicity in children if consumed

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer

Can reduce hardness of composite and bonding - increased staining