Preventive - Final Exam Test Questions Flashcards
Lamia Chen has come in because she is experiencing pain when eatingor drinking anything cold. The dentist has indicated that there is 2mm of recession on 3.1 and 4.1 facial. What type of fluoride would you recommend?
5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish
Julie Grooves is 23 years old and has never had any restorations but the dentist has noticed some new interproximal decay. What type of fluoride would you recommend?
1.23% Acidulated phosphate fluoride
Kevin Patel is 5 years old and at high risk for dental caries due to high amounts of dental plaque biofilm present. Kevin also frequently consumes foods and beverages high in fermentable carbohydrates. What type of fluoride would you recommend?
5% Sodium fluoride varnish
James Basil has many restorations in his mouth. He tells you at the
beginning of the appointment that he is attending a graduation ceremony after this appointment. He asks if you could please make sure his smile looks good at the end of this appointment. What fluoride would you recommend?
2.0% Neutral sodium fluoride tray
Sub-gingival calculus is:
not site specific and is found throughout the mouth
An extrinsic stain that can be removed by a selective polishing procedure:
tobacco stain
This component of the periodontium connects the cementum covering the root of the tooth with the alveolar bone of the tooth socket:
peridontal ligament
The bacteria found in dental _________cause inflammation by producing enzymes and toxins that destroy periodontal tissues and lower host defenses
plaque biofilm
What is true of dental caries?
it is a communicable bacterial disease
During periodontal probing, which sulcus measurement is considered normal?
3mm
What is the primary contraindication to using a disclosing solution?
allergy
The most commonly used disclosing agent in a dental office is:
erythrosin
Which of the following factors does not influence the stiffnes of the toothbrush filament?
end rounding of the filaments
Mineralized plaque is better known as:
calculus
Craig has noticed a little blood on his toothbrush and in the sink while he is brushing his teeth, along with increased inflammation. He related this to his dentist and, after a thorough exam was told that he had no bone loss or deeper than normal probed sulcus depth. Based on his dental examination what condition does Craig exhibit?
gingivits
Mr. Hooper has just been diagnosed with gingivitis by the dentist and asks you what he can do to revers this condition. Which of the following would be a helpful step in returning his gingiva to good health?
improved brushing and flossing
Desensitizing agents disrupt pain transmission by all except:
encorage secondary cementum to be deposited
(It does by… occluding the dentin tubules, preventing stimuli from moving through the dentin tubule, preventing nerve depolarization)
Light stains on the tooth surface can be removed with which material?
superfine silex
When choosing an abrasive material for a polishing procedure, it is important to select:
the least abrasive action
the abrasive agent used during coronal polishing actually removes a small amount of…
the fluroride rich outer enamel layer
What are contraindications for coronal polishing?
-absence of extrinsic stain on teeth
-newly erupted teeth
-rampant caries
What type of professional topical fluoride has the potential to etch porcelain or composite resin restorations?
Aciduated Phosphate fluoride
Fluorosis may result from excessive fluoride consumed during which of the following
the mineralization stage of tooth development
Which of the following is not a post-eruptive benefit of fluoride?
causes the development of shallow grooves
Benefits are…
-inhibits demineralization
-interferes with the metabolism of bacteria
-enhances remineralization
The two basic forms of periodontal disease are:
gingivitis and periodontitis
Decay that develops rapidly and is widespread throughout the mouth is ?
rampant caries
The earliest stage of dental caries is
Incipient
What colour stain is usually found in children?
GREEN
Which of the following oral hygiene aids would be the most effective in the removal of plaque biofilm from the large embrasure spaces?
interproximal brush
Transient pain coming from exposed dentin which can not be explained is referred to as:
dentinal hypersensitivity
Which factor does NOT need to be considered when recommending a specific toothbrush technique for a patient?
patient’s systemic health status
If you grasp an instrument too tight what happens
Decrease in tactile sensitivity
what is the last 1-2mm of an instrument classified as?
working end
what instrument would be used to detect supragingival calculus, decay and tooth irregularities?
explorer
the bass tooth brushing method is recommened for patients with?
periodontal pockets
air polishing is contraindicated for patients with?
asthma
exposed dentin
Sodium restrictive diet
abfractions may be caused by…
excessive clenching and grinding
in order to complete a Dental Assistant Plan for Treatment, what must be completed first?
Clincal observation, and all other assessments
what is the most important factor in prescribing fluoride?
risk factors
Which fluoride is not safe for composite resins, sealants and crowns?
Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF)
Fluorisis is caused by…
too much fluoride intake prior to tooth eruption
if a child consumes an entire tube of fluoridated tooth paste, what should be done?
call 911 and induce vomitting
What is the optimum level of fluoride added to fluoridated drinking water?
0.70 mg/L
What theory explains dentinal hypersensitivity?
Hydrodynamic theory
What is a type 1 embrasure?
Fills the interproximal area under the contact
If a patient has a very large embrasure will a tooth pick work to help clean the area?
NO!
A disclosing agent is used to determine…
areas of plaque bioflim
why is it important to roll an instrument?
To maintain adaption to tooth surfaace
Which method of brushing is best for an individual with braces?
Charters
Removal of tooth structure, overheating the pulp, and bacteremia are all negative effects of which of the following?
Polishing
Flurorisis may result from excessive fluoride consumed during which of the following?
The mineralization stage of tooth development
Tooth abrasion is caused by…
Hard toothbrushing
Brushing with a hard bristle tooth brush
Toothpaste abrasiveness
Which fluoride is recommended for patients under the age of 6?
Varnish - always recomended for children!!
Post eruptive tooth fluoridation helps the tooth to become
more caries resistant
What causes teeth to demineralize?
If plaque is left on the teeth
Which of the following is not a post-eruptive benefit of fluoride?
Causes the development of shallow grooves
If a patient is expereincing dentinal hypersensitivity, which of the following could be a contributinf factor?
There is a gap between the cementum and enamel
Which of the following is not an indication for coronal polishing?
Endogenous instrinsic stain
the contrindications of coronal polishing is/are
reduces fluoride rich layer of the enamel
Coronal polishing done under..
Direct supervision of a licenced dentist
Which of the following are contraindications for coronal polishing?
absense of extrinsic stains
rampant caries
allergies to ingredients in paste
When performing coronal polishing the handpiece should be used at:
slow speed with light pressure
Air powder polishing is used to remove..
supragingival calculus
Benefits of fluoride
slows bacterial attachment and strengthens enamel
What is fluoride
Mineral
Fluoride helps..
strengthen teeth
the ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride can…?
cause fluorosis prior to tooth eruption (during mineralization stage)
Fluorosis occurs when fluoride
is excessive
Fluoride is an organic mineral - true or false?
True
Plaque removal is recommended prior to placement of topical fluoride penetration of fluoride - true or false?
True - better absorption
When would you re-evaluate the OHI methods given to the patient?
at their next recall appointment
Oral hygiene instructions for ortho patient
brush and floss daily
check daily-broken/damaged wires, brackets or bands
rinse mouth to remove debris
Genetics is not related to individual’s susceptibility to perdontitis, it has to do with their oral hygeiene habits - True or False?
False - genetics is related to periodontitis
Floss holders are for patients who have issues with the manipulation of floss in the oral cavity such as..
patients with disabilities or dexterity issues
-young children who are not quite effective with their hands yet
Mouth rinses are recommended as part of a personal oral self care program for children under 6 years of age - true or false?
False - they can swallow a mouth rinse
The top portion of the tooth is called..
The Crown
Brushing with fluoride helps prevent caries - true or false?
True
You can have tooth decay and gum infection at the same time - true or false?
True
Post erruptive tooth fluoridation helps the tooth to become
more caries resistant
The Fones method is mostly recommended for..
Young children or patients with decreased dexterity
The Modified Bass Method of brushing is mostly recommended for
Healthy individuals with good dexterity
The Modified Stillman method of brushing is mostly recommended for..
patients with recession
The body can repair infected gums if helped with daily brushing and flossing - True or False?
True
Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to prevent dental disease - True or False?
True
Which bacterial lives in our mouth that causes tooth decay and cavities?
Mutans streptococci
Professionalism means to you..
adhere to the standards of Practice of CADA
Complying with legal standards for chart entries includes which of the following:
Date of treatment
Patients Name
Procedures completed
I can discuss Patient’s medical histories with anyone.. True or False?
FALSE
It is critical for all IPC standards to be followed during patient care - true or false?
True
If a patient uses a power toothbrush you do not have to recommeend a manual method - True or False
False
It is important when recommending OH goals with a patient that they are
Realistic, Patient-Specific, Measurable, Scientific and evidence based
The higher the plaque control score of a patient the better - True or False?
False
This mineral is added to our water to help prevet tooth decay (cavities)
fluoride
What is the substance that builds up on your teeth overtime without brushing?
Plaque
Tooth decay, gum disease and orthodontic problems are common for children and youth - True or False?
True
When completeing a comprehensive periodontal examination, there are ___ readings taken per tooth.
6
If acid is left on a tooth for too long, it creates ….
A cavity
Plaque causes
decalcification
What type of deposit forms within minutes after erruption of the tooth or after the removal of hard and soft deposits?
Acquired pellicle
Gingivitis is irreversible. Perdontal is reversible. True or False?
Both are false
Bacteria on the teeth and inside the mouth
biolfilm
What do bacteria do?
cause disease
release toxins
damage our blood cells
Destroy pathogens
There are more bacteria in your mouth than people in the world - True or false?
True
What type of bacteria is found in the mouth?
Lactobacllius
Staphylococcus
E.Coli
Untreated gingivtis can lead to peridontal disease - True or False?
True
There are about 1 billion bacteria in your mouth right now - true or false?
True
The difference between gingivits and peridontitis is??
Peridontitis causes tissues damage and bone loss
You can proceed with you CO before the Dentist or Hygienist has reviewed the Medical History - True or False
False
What is contraindications for coronal polishing?
Absense of extrinsic stain
rampant caries
allergies to ingredients in paste
The DA plan for treatment does not include current OH Methods
False
The patient must consent to treatment prior to starting polishing - true or false?
True
Gingivitis is..
reversible
Which bacteria are primarily involved in the formation of dental plaque?
Streptococcus mutans
Which of the following practices is most effective in preventing the formation of dental plaque?
Brushing and flossing regularly
Which tools are recommendedf or maintaining oral hygiene with braces?
interdental brushes
Fluoride Varnish is recommended for children under 6 - true or false?
True
Fluoride varnish should be avoided for those with nut allergy - true or false?
True
Fluoride varnish can be used for dentinal hypersensitivity - true or false?
True
Fluoride varnish is contraindicated for patients with ulcerative gingivitis. True or false?
True
Which instrument is typically used for the removal of subgingival calculus?
Curette
Which type of fluoride is recommended for patients with dentinal hypersensitvity?
5% Sodium fluoride varnish
What is NOT a common symptom of gingivitis?
Tooth loss
What is a common symptom of periodontitis?
Receding gums
What is the proper operator seating position for exploring sextant 5 surfaces towards, and why might 12 o’clock be less effective in this situation?
The correct seating position for exploring sextant 5 surfaces towards is typically 8-9 o’clock (right-handed operator) or 3-4 o’clock (left-handed operator).
From 12 o’clock, visibility and access to surfaces towards in the anterior region are limited due to the alignment of the operator’s line of sight and the patient’s positioning. Adjusting to the correct position ensures better ergonomics, visualization, and instrument control for more effective exploration.
What are the potential risks and impacts on treatment when the dental assistant does not use the Pure-Vac system during polishing?
Increased aerosol production: Polishing generates aerosols that may contain saliva, plaque, and bacteria, increasing risks to both the patient and operator.
Reduced visibility: Without suction, the polishing paste and debris can obscure the operator’s view, leading to incomplete or uneven polishing.
Patient discomfort: Accumulated saliva and polishing debris can cause gagging or discomfort.
Cross-contamination risk: Lack of effective aerosol management increases the likelihood of spreading contaminants within the clinical environment.
Given the patient’s peanut allergy, what type of fluoride treatment would be safest and why?
Fluoride varnish: Use a varnish that is confirmed to be free of nut-based ingredients, as some fluoride varnishes may include resin from tree nuts. Alternative fluoride options: A fluoride gel, foam, or rinse that is nut-free can also be used. Carefully check product labels to ensure there are no allergenic ingredients.
Which of the following is an effective oral hygiene technique?
Brushing teeth 2 x a day with fluoride toothpaste
How does systemic health impact dental care?
Systemic health conditions can influence the progression of oral diseases.
What is the first step in analyzing patient case studies?
Reviewing the patient’s medical health history
What are the primary differences between gingivitis and periodontitis in terms of symptoms and progression?
Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation without bone loss, while periodontitis involves gum inflammation with bone loss and deeper pockets.
Which of the following is a common symptom of gingivitis?
Redness
Which of the following is a common symptom of periodontitis?
Receding gums
What is the first step in the dental prophylaxis process?
Conducting a throughough patient assessment
What is the primary goal of plaque and calculus removal during dental prophylaxis?
To eliminate buildup that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
What is the recommended brushing technique to prevent gingivitis?
Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time using the modified bass technique.
What is a key difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene, while periodontitis causes irreversible damage to bone and tissues.
Which feature of powered toothbrushes enhances oral hygiene?
Timer & Pressure Sensors
Which tools are recommended for maintaining oral hygiene with braces?
Interdental brushes & floss threaders
Which bacteria are primarily involved in the formation of dental plaque?
Streptococcus mutans
Which of the following practices is most effective in preventing the formation of dental plaque?
brushing and flossing regularly
The only nutrients that can make new cells and rebuild body tissues are:
proteins
Only energy and no other nutrients are provided by:
empty calories
Sticky sugary refined products are ____________ cariogenic than/as complex carbohydrates.
more
Oral manifestations of bulimia include:
decalcification of enamel.
The recommendation is that cholesterol be limited to less than:
250 mg/day.
Which food group is at the bottom of the food pyramid?
grains
Which antioxidant vitamin can help prevent cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging the arteries?
Vitamins C and E.
Dietary fiber is also called:
roughage
Which of the following foods are considered to be cariogenic?
Raisins
Crackers
Soft drinks
Compounds in proteins used by the body to build and repair tissue are:
amino acids
The role of the dental assistant in nutritional counseling includes:
Counseling patients about the prevention of tooth decay.
Counseling patients in orthodontic appliances about food choices.
Presurgical counseling regarding postsurgical food choices.
Five categories of major nutrients are:
minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
A well-balanced mixture of all eight essential amino acids is the definition of a(n):
complete protein.
Swollen and bleeding gums, slow wound healing, fatigue, depression, and poor digestion can be the result of:
vitamin C deficiency.
A major factor in determining the cariogenicity of a carbohydrate is:
how long it stays in the mouth?
A good source for vitamin D is:
sunlight.
fish.
butter.
Saliva flow serves which of the following functions.
Speeds the clearance of food from the mouth.
Delivers fluoride to the teeth.
Aids in remineralization of the teeth.
As long as a food was grown without the use of pesticides, it can be considered organic. - t or F?
FALSE
The adult patient learns most effectively when he or she:
feels safe and accepted.
is actively involved.
recognizes that he or she has a problem to be solved.
The most effective way to remove plaque from proximal tooth surfaces is by:
interdental aids.
After plaque has been thoroughly removed, it takes about __ hours for it to form again.
24
Fluoridated toothpaste is a source of _________ fluorides.
Topical
In water fluoridation, the ratio of fluoride to water is:
1 part per million.
Excess systemic fluoride intake is:
excreted by the kidneys.
Brushing instructions for a young child should include:
avoid swallowing fluoridated toothpaste.
Prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride may cause:
dental fluorosis.
Over-the-counter topical fluoride rinses are designed to be used:
daily.
Which of the following is a useful technique in providing patient education?
Listen carefully to the patient.
Assess the patient’s motivations and needs.
Select the home care aids.
Keep the instructions simple.
Ways to receive fluoride therapy include:
prescription strength fluorides that are applied in the dental office.
nonprescription strength over-the-counter products for at-home use.
consumption of fluoridated bottled or community water.
All of the following statements about fluoride are true..
fluorides have been proved safe and effective when used as recommended.
chronic overexposure to fluoride can result in dental fluorosis.
acute overdosing of fluoride can result in poisoning or even death.
Fluoride is a mineral - true or false?
True
Which of the following artificial sweeteners is most effective in preventing decay?
Xylitol
Which of the following statements is true regarding soft drinks?
Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in the mouth to form acid.
Diet or sugar-free soda contains its own acid.
Decay caused by soda tends to occur on smooth tooth surfaces.
The method of toothbrushing useful for most people is the:
Bass or modified bass.
Which of the following interdental cleaning aids can be used in hard-to-reach areas where gingival recession is present?
Perio-aid
The major effect of fluoridated water in the prevention of dental caries is:
systemic & topical
The most effective time to use a fluoridated mouth rinse is:
immediately after brushing and flossing.
The recommended age at which fluoride supplementation should cease for children who do not live in an area with a fluoridated water source and who do not consume bottled water that contains fluoride is:
16.
Which of the following statements is true of soft drinks?
A 64-ounce “big cup” contains more than five 12-ounce cans of soda.
Sodas have no nutritional value.
Sugar-free sodas can cause tooth decay.
A toothbrush should be replaced:
when the bristles begin to splay outward and show signs of wear.
The type of dental floss that works best is:
waxed.
unwaxed.
floss.
tape.
all of the options.
Age-related dental changes may include which of the following?
Abrasion and attrition
Dental sealants are used as a means of protecting the difficult-to-clean occlusal surfaces of the teeth from decay. T or F?
True
The body, through the skin, kidneys, and feces, excretes excess systemic fluoride. True or False?
True
Recovering alcoholics are advised to read the label and select a mouth rinse that does not contain alcohol. True or False?
True
The Charter’s method of toothbrushing is best for cleaning artificial teeth and around orthodontic appliances. T or F?
True
Acidulated phosphate fluoride is ideal for all patients. T or F?
False
All bottled water contains fluoride. True or False?
False
A fluoride needs assessment is not necessary when a patient has rampant caries. T or F?
False
The primary cause of gingivitis and most forms of periodontal disease is:
BIOFiLM
All of the following are currently known risk factors for periodontal disease EXCEPT:
fibromyalgia.
STRESS CAN CAUSE IT
A gingival infection characterized by sudden onset of pain, crater-shaped interdental papillae, bleeding, and a foul odor is a description of:
necrotizing periodontal disease.
Approximately _______% of the adult U.S. population have some form of periodontal disease
75
Localized and generalized are two general groups of early-onset periodontitis. True or FAlse?
True
Calculus ____________ be removed by brushing and other plaque control methods.
CANNOT
Those structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth are called the:
periodontium
Which of the following is/are implicated in causing periodontal diseases?
Plaque
Malocclusions
Systemic causes
Certain medications
Gingivitis is not characterized by:
loss of bone.
IS characterized by… areas of redness, swelling, a tendency for the gingiva to bleed easily
Which of the following is a sign or symptom of periodontal disease?
Bleeding gingiva while brushing or flossing
Loose or separating teeth
Pain or pressure when chewing
Pus around the teeth or gingiva
Tooth structure considered as a structure of the periodontium is:
cementum
A description of healthy gingiva could include all of the following…
Uniformly pale pink
Generalized dark brown pigmentation
Firm
Resilient
The probing depth of a healthy gingival sulcus is:
0 to 4 mm from the cementoenamel junction.
Bright red gingiva that bleeds on probing is a description of:
gingival inflammation.
The outermost structure of the periodontium is:
gingiva.
Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases and are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. True or False?
True
Improved daily oral hygiene practices will reverse gingivitis. True or False?
True
All forms of periodontal diseases are related to changes in the types of bacteria in the oral cavity.
True
Localized and generalized are two general groups of early-onset periodontitis.
True
Patients with periodontal disease have a greater incidence of coronary heart disease. True or False?
True
