Oral care Flashcards
Which of the following age-related changes occurs in the tooth dentin?
A) Increase in permeability
B) Decrease in thickness
C) Increase in thickness, eliminating space for the pulp
D) Increase in sensitivity to pain
Correct answer: C) Increase in thickness, eliminating space for the pulp
What is a primary risk factor for dental decay in older adults?
A) Frequent dental visits
B) Lack of salivary flow
C) Increased consumption of fluoride
D) Increased complaints of dental pain
Correct answer: B) Lack of salivary flow
Which of the following organisms is commonly associated with periodontitis?
A) Bacteria that form plaque
B) Candida albicans
C) Beta-hemolytic streptococci
D) Viruses that cause cold sores
Correct answer:* A) Bacteria that form plaque
What is the significance of diminished sensitivity in the dental pulp of older adults?
A) Increased susceptibility to pain
B) Decreased risk of tooth decay
C) Reduced capacity for tooth repair
D) Increased response to bacterial infections
Correct answer:* C) Reduced capacity for tooth repair
Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for dental decay in older adults?
A) Poor oral hygiene
B) Frequent consumption of sugary foods
C) Limited fluoride exposure
D) Regular fluoride treatments
Correct answer:* D) Regular fluoride treatments
What condition does edentulism refer to?
A) Tooth decay
B) Loss of all teeth
C) Overgrowth of gum tissue
D) Chronic gingivitis
Correct answer: B) Loss of all teeth
How does periodontitis differ from gingivitis?
A) Periodontitis is reversible, while gingivitis is not
B) Gingivitis affects deeper tissues, while periodontitis is limited to the gums
C) Periodontitis involves destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone
D) Gingivitis is caused by bacteria, while periodontitis is caused by viral infections
Correct answer:* C) Periodontitis involves destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone
What is one positive impact of dentures in older adults?
A) They reduce the need for dental hygiene
B) They restore facial features and improve chewing ability
C) They prevent tooth decay in remaining teeth
D) They permanently replace the need for dental visits
Correct answer: B) They restore facial features and improve chewing ability
What is the recommended treatment for advanced dental decay involving the dental pulp?
A) Tooth cleaning and fluoride treatment
B) Root canal or tooth extraction
C) Application of dental sealants
D) Temporary filling to delay further decay
Correct answer: B) Root canal or tooth extraction
What is a common cause of dry mouth in older adults?
A) Increased salivary gland activity
B) Use of anticholinergic medications
C) High levels of hydration
D) Dental prosthetics
Correct answer:* B) Use of anticholinergic medications
What is the role of chlorhexidine oral rinses in managing periodontal disease?
A) Reducing plaque formation
B) Reversing tooth decay
C) Treating advanced caries
D) Strengthening enamel
Correct answer: A) Reducing plaque formation
Which demographic group is more likely to experience periodontitis?
A) Young adults under 30
B) Older adults with poor oral hygiene
C) Individuals with no history of smoking
D) Children and adolescents
Correct answer: B) Older adults with poor oral hygiene
Which of the following is a major complication of untreated periodontitis?
A) Dental abscess
B) Reversible tooth decay
C) Increased salivary flow
D) Whitening of the teeth
Correct answer: A) Dental abscess
What effect does edentulism have on older adults without prosthetic replacement?
A) Improved facial appearance
B) Decreased risk of aspiration
C) Compromised ability to chew, leading to nutritional deficiencies
D) Better speech and communication abilities
Correct answer: C) Compromised ability to chew, leading to nutritional deficiencies
Why do older adults with joint replacements receive antibiotics before dental procedures?
A) To prevent tooth decay
B) To reduce the risk of bacterial infections spreading to joints
C) To improve healing after dental surgery
D) To increase salivary flow during procedures
Correct answer:* B) To reduce the risk of bacterial infections spreading to joints
Which of the following is a common cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth?
A) Frequent dental visits
B) Smoking and tobacco use
C) Poor fluoride intake
D) High sugar intake
Correct answer: B) Smoking and tobacco use
What is the clinical significance of detecting erythroplakia or eukoplakia in the mouth?
A) Both are always benign and require no follow-up
B) Both are indicative of high risk for oral cancer and should be biopsied
C) Erythroplakia is benign, while leukoplakia is malignant
D) Both are signs of advanced dental caries
Correct answer:* B) Both are indicative of high risk for oral cancer and should be biopsied
Which of the following is an effective treatment for dry mouth in older adults?
A) Increasing sugar intake
B) Use of over-the-counter salivary substitutes
C) Eliminating fluoride use
D) Avoiding dental care
Correct answer: B) Use of over-the-counter salivary substitutes
Which periodontal condition is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular dental care?
A) Gingivitis
B) Periodontitis
C) Edentulism
D) Root caries
Correct answer: A) Gingivitis
Why are regular dental exams essential for older adults, even if they do not experience pain?
A) Tooth decay in older adults is always painful
B) Age-related changes reduce sensitivity, so dental issues may go unnoticed until advanced
C) Dental exams are only necessary for younger patients
D) Pain is the only indicator of dental problems in older adults
Correct answer: B) Age-related changes reduce sensitivity, so dental issues may go unnoticed until advanced
What is a common reason older adults are more likely to develop root caries?
A) Increased tooth sensitivity
B) Recurrent bacterial infections
C) Reduced salivary flow and diminished sensitivity to pain
D) Frequent consumption of acidic foods
Correct answer: C) Reduced salivary flow and diminished sensitivity to pain
What role does saliva play in the prevention of dental decay?
A) It increases tooth sensitivity
B) It helps neutralize acids and prevent demineralization
C) It accelerates plaque formation
D) It causes the enamel to harden and break
Correct answer: B) It helps neutralize acids and prevent demineralization
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for developing periodontitis in older adults?
A) Ethnicity
B) Smoking
C) Age
D) Genetic predisposition
Correct answer: B) Smoking
Why is it important for older adults to limit their sugar intake at night?
A) Sugar consumption increases saliva production
B) Sugar accelerates enamel hardening
C) Sugar sticks to the teeth, causing demineralization during the night
D) Sugar intake is unrelated to dental health at night
Correct answer: C) Sugar sticks to the teeth, causing demineralization during the night
What is a common systemic condition associated with poor oral hygiene and periodontitis in older adults?
A) Hypotension
B) Diabetes
C) Cataracts
D) Arthritis
Correct answer: B) Diabetes
Which of the following is a common complication of advanced dental decay in older adults?
A) Increased saliva production
B) Tooth necrosis and formation of dental abscesses
C) Reduced risk of oral infections
D) Strengthening of tooth enamel
Correct answer: B) Tooth necrosis and formation of dental abscesses
Why are older adults at a higher risk for metastatic infections related to dental issues?
A) They have stronger immune systems
B) They are more likely to have frequent dental cleanings
C) They may experience delayed diagnosis due to diminished tooth sensitivity
D) Their teeth become resistant to bacterial infections with age
Correct answer: C) They may experience delayed diagnosis due to diminished tooth sensitivity
Which of the following best describes the effects of aging on salivary glands in older adults?
A) Salivary glands increase production as people age
B) Fatty replacement of acini reduces salivary flow, leading to dry mouth
C) Salivary gland function is unaffected by aging
D) Aging leads to an overproduction of saliva
Correct answer: B) Fatty replacement of acini reduces salivary flow, leading to dry mouth
How can fluoride toothpaste help prevent dental decay in older adults?
A) By increasing tooth sensitivity
B) By remineralizing the tooth enamel and strengthening it
C) By softening the tooth enamel
D) By delaying the need for dentures
Correct answer: B) By remineralizing the tooth enamel and strengthening it
Which oral condition involves **white patches on the mucous membranes and is a potential precursor to oral cancer?
A) Erythroplakia
B) Leukoplakia
C) Periodontitis
D) Edentulism
Correct answer: B) Leukoplakia
What should patients with dentures be advised to do for proper maintenance?
A) Wear dentures continuously without removing them
B) Remove and clean dentures after meals and soak them in disinfectant regularly
C) Clean dentures once a month
D) Only remove dentures when visiting the dentist
Correct answer:* B) Remove and clean dentures after meals and soak them in disinfectant regularly
Mrs. Thompson, a 78-year-old woman, comes to the clinic complaining that her teeth feel weak and brittle. Upon examination, her dentist notes that her dentin has thickened, and she has a reduced sensitivity to pain. She hasn’t had any recent dental visits because she didn’t experience any pain.
Question:
What is the most likely cause of Mrs. Thompson’s weakened teeth?
A) Increased permeability of the dentin
B) Age-related thickening of the dentin and reduced sensitivity
C) Decreased tooth enamel from fluoride treatments
D) Overuse of her dentures
Correct answer:* B) Age-related thickening of the dentin and reduced sensitivity
Mr. Johnson, a 75-year-old man with a history of smoking, complains of bleeding gums and bad breath. His dentist diagnoses him with periodontitis and explains that his condition could worsen without proper care.
Question:
What risk factor likely contributed to Mr. Johnson’s periodontitis?
A) His high sugar diet
B) His smoking habit
C) His use of fluoride toothpaste
D) His frequent dental visits
Correct answer:* B) His smoking habit
Mrs. Clark, an 82-year-old woman, has lost several teeth due to untreated decay. She now struggles with chewing her food, which has led to poor nutrition. Her dentist recommends dentures to improve her ability to eat and restore her facial appearance.
Question:
What benefit will dentures provide for Mrs. Clark?
A) They will eliminate the need for dental hygiene
B) They will restore her ability to chew food and improve her nutrition
C) They will prevent all future tooth decay
D) They will automatically adjust to changes in her gum structure
Correct answer: B) They will restore her ability to chew food and improve her nutrition