Tooth Brushing

Question 1

What should the size of the head of the toothbrush be

Answer 1

22-28mm x 10-13mm

Question 2

What should the bristles of the tooth brush be

Answer 2

Rounded nylon medium multi tufted bristles

Question 3

How often should you renew your tooth brush

Answer 3

Every 3 months or earlier

Question 4

What is the minimum strength of toothpaste

Answer 4

No less than 1000ppm

Question 5

What is the technique used for tooth brushing

Answer 5

Modified bass technique

Question 6

Describe the modified bass technique

Answer 6

Head of the brush at a 45 degree angle at the tooth and gingival brush away from the gingival to the tip of the tooth
Ensure that areas at the gingival margin are thoroughly brushed

Question 7

Why is it important to spit and not rinse

Answer 7

As you wash away all the fluoride otherwise

Question 8

When should denture patients clean their prosthesis

Answer 8

After each meal

Question 9

What should patients with partial dentures watch out for

Answer 9

Areas where the clasps meet the teeth

Question 10

What should patients with dentures do with them at night

Answer 10

Take them out and soak them

Question 11

Why is it advisable that patients clean their dentures over a filled sink

Answer 11

Prevents breakages if the denture falls into the sink during brushing

Question 12

What should be used to clean the dentures

Answer 12

Liquid soap and a toothbrush

Question 13

What should be the size of a toothbrush for a child

Answer 13

15mm x 10mm for a 0-2 year old

29mm x 10mm for older children

Question 14

What should the bristles of the toothbrush be like for a child’s toothbrush

Answer 14

Round ended nylon soft multi tufted bristles

Question 15

What should the size of toothpaste used for a 0-2 year old child be

Answer 15

Smear

Question 16

What should the size of toothpaste used for a 3-6 year old child be

Answer 16

Pea sized

Question 17

What should the ppm of toothpaste for a child over 7 be

Answer 17

1350-1500

Question 18

Why is it important children do not swallow toothpaste

Answer 18

They will ingest fluoride

Question 19

Up to what age should parents brush their teeth

Answer 19

7 years old

Question 20

Why is it best to stand behind the child when they are brushing

Answer 20

So they can see themselves in the mirror

Question 21

What length if floss should be used

Answer 21

18 inches

Question 22

What should the working length of the floss be

Answer 22

1 inch to 1 and a half inches

Question 23

How should you floss

Answer 23

Very gentle see-saw motion to insert the floss interdentally
Place around the distal of the tooth in a C shape in the gingival crevice in a sweeping motion and then bring it out of the crevice
Go around the teeth cleaning each medial and distal surface
Ensure a clean section of floss is inserted each time

Question 24

What are single tufted tooth brushed used for

Answer 24

Around orthodontic brackets and under arch wires
Useful for distal surfaces of last molars
Helpful for around gingival margin on the lingual surfaces of molars
Useful for lone standing or rotated teeth

Question 25

What is superfloss used for

Answer 25

Often used for fixed orthodontic appliances, bonded retainers and bridges
Can also be used for those with tight contact points

Question 26

What does it mean if the super floats shreds

Answer 26

The patient must notify the dentist as they may have a defective crown margin or an overhang on a restoration

Question 27

What are interdental brushes for

Answer 27

Patients that have large inter proximal spaces where dental floss would be unstable
This may be due to periodontal disease

Question 28

How many strokes should be done with an interdental brushe

Answer 28

20-30

Question 29

How do you know if an interdental brush fits

Answer 29

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

Question 30

What does it mean if the floss shreds

Answer 30

Patient should spread to dentist

May have defective crown margin or overhang on a restoration