Methods Of Plaque Control

Question 1

What is plaque control?

Answer 1

Plaque control is the removal of microbial plaque and the prevention of its accumulation on the teeth and adjacent gingival surfaces. It also retards the formation of calculus.

Question 2

What are the two main types of plaque control methods?

Answer 2

Mechanical Methods and Chemical Methods.

Question 3

What are the mechanical methods of plaque control?

Answer 3

• Tooth brushing (manual and electrical)
• interdental cleansing aids (interdental brushes, dental floss, wooden toothpicks)
• irrigating devices

Question 4

What are the key components of a manual toothbrush?

Answer 4

Handle, head, and shank.

Question 5

What is the ideal brushing surface size of a toothbrush according to ADA?

Answer 5

Brushing surface 1 to 1.25 inches with 2-4 rows of bristles, 5-12 tufts per row.

Question 6

What are the two types of bristle materials used in toothbrushes?

Answer 6

• Natural bristles (from hogs)
• Artificial filaments (made prominently of nylon).

Question 7

What are the characteristics of nylon bristles?

Answer 7

• homogenecity of material
• uniformity of bristle size
• resistance to fracture
• repulsion of water and debris

Question 8

What is the difference between soft, medium, and hard toothbrushes?

Answer 8

• Soft brushes have 0.2 mm bristles
• Medium brushes have 0.3 mm
• Hard brushes have 0.4 mm

(Diameter of bristles)

Question 9

What is the Bass method in tooth brushing?

Answer 9

Place the bristles at the gingival margin at a 45° angle to the long axis of the teeth and apply gentle vibratory pressure, moving the brush back and forth without dislodging the tips.

Question 10

What is the Roll technique in tooth brushing?

Answer 10

• Press the bristles against the gingiva to produce blanching, then roll the brush down over the gingiva and tooth surface by rotating the wrist. Repeat 5 times for each area.
• For sensitive teeth.

Question 11

What is the Modified Stillman technique in tooth brushing?

Answer 11

Place the brush partly on the cervical portion of teeth and adjacent gingiva, then use 20 short back-and-forth strokes while moving the brush in a coronal direction.

Question 12

What is the Fones technique in tooth brushing?

Answer 12

A circular motion of the toothbrush that is simple and suitable for young children or individuals with limited motor skills.

Question 13

What is the Charters technique in tooth brushing?

Answer 13

The bristles are directed occlusally and sides are firmly against the gingiva with vibratory motion, effective for large embrasure spaces.

Question 14

What is the Leonard (Vertical) technique in tooth brushing?

Answer 14

Place the brush at a right angle to the long axis of the teeth and use an up-and-down motion, ensuring slight rotation after striking the gingival margin.

Question 15

What are the benefits of electric toothbrushes?

Answer 15

They are effective for those who don’t use conventional brushes well and are useful for handicapped individuals, small children, hospitalized patients, and those with orthodontic appliances.

Question 16

What are the types of dental floss?

Answer 16

Multifilament nylon (twisted or non-twisted, waxed or unwaxed, thick or thin).

Question 17

What is the proper way to floss?

Answer 17

Use 12-18 inches of floss, stretch tightly between the thumb and forefinger, and gently pass it through each contact area with a back-and-forth motion.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of flossing?

Answer 18

• Flossing can injure gums if done improperly.
• May cause bleeding and soreness initially but gums heal & bleeding stops once all the bacteria are removed.

Question 19

What are interdental brushes (single tufted) used for?

Answer 19

For open interdental areas, exposed bifurcations/trifurcations, and as a supplement to tooth brushing.

Question 20

What is the purpose of oral irrigation?

Answer 20

To remove unattached debris from teeth and interdental areas, and deliver chemical plaque control agents.

Question 21

What are the indications for oral irrigation?

Answer 21

Missing or reduced interdental papilla, fixed orthodontic appliances, fixed partial dentures, precision attachment, implant abutments, IMF, and fractured jaws.

Question 22

What are the contraindications for oral irrigation?

Answer 22

Patients at risk for infective endocarditis, deep periodontal pockets or tissue flaps over unerupted or partially erupted 3rd
molars, acute conditions like ANUG or periodontal abscess, and patients with normal healthy gingiva.

Question 23

What is the principal instrument for removal of Dental Plaque?

Answer 23

Toothbrush

Question 24

What are the different brushing techniques?

Answer 24

1. Sulcular: Bass method
2. Roll: Rolling stroke, modified Stillman
3. Vibratory: Stillman, Charters
4. Circular: Fones
5. Vertical :Leonard
6. Scrub brush

Question 25

What are the indications for Modified Stillman technique?

Answer 25

For patients with gingival recession and root exposure to prevent abrasive tissue destruction.

Question 26

What are the indications for charter's technique?

Answer 26

- For gentle plaque removal and gingival massage. - Useful for large embrassure spaces.

Question 27

What are the requirements of tooth brushing?

Answer 27

- Should clean all tooth surfaces, including crevices and interdental areas. - Should not harm soft tissues (gums). - Should be easy to use and clean all areas. - Nylon bristles are better because they are uniform, durable, and resistant to water/debris.

Question 28

Why natural bristles are not prefered?

Answer 28

More susceptible to fraying & breaking, contamination with diluted microbial debris, softening and loss of elasticity.