Oral Hygiene Practices: Toothpastes

Question 1

What are the important benefits of toothpaste?

Answer 1

-Prevention of decay
-Stain removal
-Freshen breath
-Makes mouth feel cleaner & healthier

Question 2

What are the constituents of toothpaste?

Answer 2

look at the slides

Question 3

What are abrasives used for? What are some examples?

Answer 3

-removal of biofilm
-removal of stain
-to create smooth surface

Examples: calcium Carbonate, silica

Question 4

What are surfactants used for in toothpastes, what is the main surfactant that is usually used in toothpastes?

Answer 4

• Creates Foaming action
• Example : SLS

Question 5

What are humectants? Examples?

Answer 5

Substances that absorb moisture or promote the retention of moisture.

E.g Glycerol, Xylitol, water

Question 6

What are some geling/binding agents?

Answer 6

Alginate, xanthan gum,

Question 7

What are the constituents of toothpaste (2)? contains most important ingredien

Answer 7

Fluoride is the most important

look at the slides

Question 8

Why is triclosan not used anymore as an anti-plaque agent?

Answer 8

Causes antimicrobial resistance

Question 9

What are the key messages to get across to patients regarding toothpaste?

Answer 9

USE FLUORIDATED TOOTHPASTE (usually 1450ppm for most patients, but may differ for higher risk groups)

Pea sized

Dont brush after you eat because the increased acidity makes enamel softer, brushing right after can cause abrasion

SPIT, DON’T RINSE

Question 10

What is the maximum amount of fluoride that can be used in toothpastes on the market?

Answer 10

1450 ppm

Question 11

What is fluoride typically in the form of?

Answer 11

-Stannous Fluoride
-Sodium momofluorophosphate
-Sodium fluoride