Dental Products and the ADA Seal

Question 1

What is the purpose of detergents in dentifrice?

Answer 1

Loosen debris and stains; create foaming action.

Question 2

Which ingredient is a common detergent in toothpaste?

Answer 2

Sodium lauryl sulfate.

Question 3

What do cleaning and polishing agents in dentifrice do?

Answer 3

Remove extrinsic stains and add luster to teeth.

Question 4

Name five common abrasives used in dentifrice.

Answer 4

Calcium carbonate
hydrated silica
calcium pyrophosphate
aluminum oxide
sodium bicarbonate

Question 5

What is the function of binding agents in toothpaste?

Answer 5

Prevent separation and maintain consistency.

Question 6

What do humectants do in dentifrice?

Answer 6

Retain moisture and prevent drying.

Question 6

Give examples of binding agents in dentifrice.

Answer 6

Mineral colloids, natural gums, seaweed colloid.

Question 7

Name two humectants used in toothpaste.

Answer 7

Glycerin, sorbitol.

Question 8

What is the role of flavoring agents in dentifrice?

Answer 8

Provide a fresh, pleasant taste.

Question 9

Give three examples of flavoring agents.

Answer 9

Cinnamon, menthol, xylitol.

Question 10

What is the function of coloring agents in toothpaste?

Answer 10

Enhance visual appeal and desirability.

Question 11

What type of dyes are used as coloring agents?

Answer 11

Vegetable dyes.

Question 12

What do preservatives in dentifrice do?

Answer 12

Prevent bacterial growth and prolong shelf life.

Question 13

Name two preservatives used in toothpaste.

Answer 13

Alcohol, phenols.

Question 14

What is the purpose of therapeutic agents in dentifrice?

Answer 14

Provide health benefits such as caries prevention or sensitivity relief.

Question 15

What are the preventive benefits of dentifrice?

Answer 15

Prevents caries, promotes remineralization, reduces biofilm and dentin hypersensitivity.

Question 16

What are the cosmetic benefits of dentifrice?

Answer 16

Removes extrinsic stains and reduces halitosis.

Question 17

What do oxygenated agents in mouthrinse do?

Answer 17

Release oxygen to reduce anaerobic bacterial populations.

Question 18

What is the function of astringents like citric acid and zinc chloride?

Answer 18

Shrink oral tissues.

Question 19

What do anodynes in mouthrinse do?

Answer 19

Alleviate oral pain.

Question 20

What do therapeutic agents in mouthrinse target?

Answer 20

Bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis.

Question 21

What are the general components found in mouthrinses?

Answer 21

Water, alcohol, flavoring agents, coloring agents, sweeteners, active ingredients.

Question 22

What is the active ingredient in Peridex?

Answer 22

Chlorhexidine.

Question 23

What are key features of chlorhexidine?

Answer 23

Broad-spectrum antibacterial, binds to oral tissues, alters cell membranes, strong substantivity.

Question 24

Is chlorhexidine available over the counter?

Answer 24

No, it's prescription only.

Question 25

When is chlorhexidine typically used?

Answer 25

After scaling and root planing (SRP).

Question 26

How do phenol-related essential oils work in mouthrinse?

Answer 26

Disrupt bacterial cell walls and enzymes.

Question 27

Do essential oils in mouthrinse have high substantivity?

Answer 27

No, they have low substantivity.

Question 28

Are essential oils ADA Seal approved?

Answer 28

Yes.

Question 29

What is the active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health mouthrinse and therabrush?

Answer 29

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC).

Question 30

What does CPC do?

Answer 30

Acts as an antiseptic; disrupts bacterial cell walls.

Question 31

Does Crest Pro-Health have the ADA Seal?

Answer 31

No.

Question 32

Why does swishing time matter with mouthrinses?

Answer 32

Ensures antimicrobial action, substantivity, and biofilm penetration.

Question 33

What are risks of over-swishing mouthrinse?

Answer 33

Tissue irritation, xerostomia, tooth sensitivity, no added benefit beyond 60 seconds.

Question 34

What is the ADA Seal of Acceptance?

Answer 34

A registered certification mark from the American Dental Association.

Question 35

Who oversees the ADA Seal of Acceptance?

Answer 35

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.

Question 36

What must a product demonstrate to earn the ADA Seal?

Answer 36

Safety and efficacy.

Question 37

What is the purpose of the ADA Seal?

Answer 37

To confirm the safety, efficacy, and proper use of dental products based on scientific evaluation.

Question 38

What kind of data must be submitted to earn the ADA Seal?

Answer 38

Clinical and/or laboratory studies.

Question 39

What product-specific requirement must be met for the ADA Seal?

Answer 39

All requirements for the product category.

Question 40

How long is the ADA Seal valid?

Answer 40

5 years.

Question 41

What is the annual fee for maintaining the ADA Seal?

Answer 41

$3,500.

Question 42

Name three active ingredients that may be found in OTC mouthwash.

Answer 42

CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride), essential oils, chlorhexidine.

Question 43

What additional agents might OTC dental products include?

Answer 43

Fluoride, desensitizing agents, whitening ingredients.

Question 44

Can OTC products be effective without the ADA Seal?

Answer 44

Yes, but they haven’t undergone ADA scientific review.

Question 44

Which type of toothbrush generally shows more consistent plaque reduction?

Answer 44

Electric toothbrushes.

Question 45

Why are electric toothbrushes preferred for patients with limited dexterity?

Answer 45

They are easier to use and require less manual effort.

Question 46

What kind of electric toothbrush head is considered most effective?

Answer 46

Oscillating-rotating heads.

Question 47

What is required for a manual toothbrush to be effective?

Answer 47

Proper technique and adequate brushing time.

Question 48

Why does performance with manual toothbrushes vary?

Answer 48

It depends on the user's technique and consistency.

Question 49

What study is referenced in the slides as evidence for toothbrush effectiveness?

Answer 49

A Waterpik study on plaque removal.