Oral Hygiene Instructions Flashcards
Methods of cleaning interdental space
dental floss/tape, superfloss, interdental brushes
What is super-flossed used for?
cleaning bridges, bonded retainers and fixed ortho appliances
Which patients should use interdental brushes?
patients with open interdental spaces without papillae, bonded retainers
What are single-tufted brushes used for?
cleaning permanent prosthetic restorations, around implants, places of furcation, rotated teeth, lone standing teeth, ortho appliances, distal surface of last standing molars
Why should chemicals for plaque control (e.g. rinses, gels, sprays, chewing gums) only be used as an auxiliary aid?
cannot penetrate matrix - requires mechanical removal
Ideal qualities of toothbrush head
small head, flat (equal length), rounded nylon fibres, multi-tufted, medium/soft
Why are nylon fibres recommended?
natural fibres would encourage bacterial growth within fibres
How should a toothbrush be maintained?
rinsed thoroughly with water after each use and stored upright without contacting other toothbrushes
How often should a toothbrush be replaced?
every 2-3 month or once bristles spread/shred
