Oral hygiene instruction

Question 1

Summarise OHI

Answer 1

• brush for 2 minutes and brush well
• spit dont rinse
• mouthwash at diff time of day from toothbrushing
• dont eat/drink after brushing
• 1450ppm fluoride
• interdental cleaning
• keep brushing if bleeding

Question 2

How long should px brush for

Answer 2

• Brush for 2 minutes each time
• Make sure you are using a methodical approach to cover every area of the mouth

Question 3

What is the technique called that is used for manual brushing

Answer 3

modified bass technique

Question 4

How often should a toothbrush be renewed

Answer 4

3 months or earlier if required

Question 5

Why should px not mouthwash straight after brushing

Answer 5

• this will wash a lot of the fluoride out of the mouth.
• Advise them that if they want to use mouthwash to use it at other times during the day e.g. after meals

Question 6

What is the method for flossing (summarise)

Answer 6

• finger/thumb to control foss
• see saw motion
• c shape around tooth
• sweeping motion out of crevice
• shredding → possible defective margins
• dont avoid area if bleeding

Question 7

If patient has a tight contact, how should they remove floss

Answer 7

• If the patient has very tight contact points it may be advisable to pull the floss/tape out of the embrasure in a labial direction. You can also use super floss in these areas

Question 8

What are flossing aids

Answer 8

flossettes, floss holders and floss threaders

Question 9

Who are interdental brushes good for

Answer 9

• patients that have larger interproximal spaces, where dental floss would not be very effective
• This may be due to periodontal disease

Question 10

What is the method for interdental brushes (summarise)

Answer 10

• 20-30 strokes on each side
• make sure its in contact with tooth + GM
• dentist advises of size
• can be used more than once, just rinse them
• continue to clean if bleeding

Question 11

How does a good size fit ID brush fit

Answer 11

• the brush should fit snugly without the metal handle grating on the enamel of the tooth

Question 12

What should a diet diary include

Answer 12

• a record of all food and drink consumed over a 3-5 day period, with at least one of the days being at a weekend

Question 13

What is an alternative to sending a patient away with a diet diary

Answer 13

• a 24 hour recall food and drink diary can be completed whilst the patient is in the surgery

Question 14

What diet advice will you give a patient (summarise)

Answer 14

• limit consumption of food and drinks containing sugar
• limit snacking
• if eating high sugar items, keep to meal times
• drink only water between meals
• keep sugary drinks to mealtimes but reduce if possible
• limit sugar in tea coffee
• only water after brushing
• watch out for hidden sugars
• ‘diet’ drinks are still acidic