Oral Care

Question 1

What is dental plaque and the two types?

Answer 1

Gelatinous deposit of bacteria that adheres to teeth and calcifies if not removed within 24 hours
Supragingival: can be removed at home
Subgingival: can only be removed by a professional

Question 2

What is dental calculus and the two types?

Answer 2

Plaque that hasn’t been removed within 24h hardens into calculus
Supragingival: yellow, may be darkened by diet
Subgingival: dark, adherent to the cementum of the tooth

Question 3

What is the process of cavity development?

Answer 3

Enamel demineralizes
Demineralization extends into dentin
Surface layer collapses, forming a cavity
Caries spread, causing pulpitis
Pulpitis spreads into apex, causing apical abscess

Question 4

What is the role of the following types of toothpastes:
Fluoride
Tartar-control
Antiplaque/anti-gingivitis
Whitening/anti-stain

Answer 4

Fluoride: cavity protection and treatment
Tartar-control: prevents supragingival calculus
Antiplaque/anti-gingivitis: antibacterial, promotes tooth substantivity
Whitening/anti-stain: breaks down accumulated pigments

Question 5

Describe the role of detergents in toothpaste

Answer 5

Foams– may increase plaque solubility

But SLS may cause developmetn of aphthous ulcers

Question 6

Describe the role of abrasive agents in toothpaste

Answer 6

Remove debris and residual stains

Pharmacologically inactive

Question 7

Describe the role of potassium nitrate in toothpaste

Answer 7

Helps with tooth desensitization by physically blocking tubules in exposed dentin

Question 8

Describe the role of pyrophosphates/triclosan/zinc citrate in toothpaste

Answer 8

Prevents tartar formation

Question 9

Describe the role of stannous fluoride/triclosan/zinc citrate

Answer 9

Prevents gingival inflammation by reducing plaque accumulation through antibacterial activity

Question 10

Describe the role of humectants

Answer 10

Prevents toothpaste from drying out

Question 11

How much water is recommended to be in drinking water?

Answer 11

0.7ppm

Question 12

When should supplemental fluoride be given to children?

Answer 12

After 6 months of age if the following conditions are met:
fluoride in the drinking water is <0.3ppm
child doesn’t brush teeth BID
child is susceptible to high caries

Question 13

What happens if a child has too much fluoride? What are signs of mild, moderate and severe fluorosis?

Answer 13

Fluorosis– an irreversible condition of hypomineralization
Mild fluorosis: chalk-like, lacy markings
moderate fluorosis: white opacity on more than 50% of the tooth
Severe fluorosis: brown, pitted, brittle enamel