Tooth Stains + Plaque index

Question 1

• Can adhere directly to the tooth surface
• Can be contained within plaque and calculus
• Can be incorporated into tooth structures

Answer 1

Tooth stains

Question 2

_____ stains:
Surface stain
Can get off

Answer 2

Extrinsic stains

Question 3

_____ stains
Stain occurring within tooth
Can’t get off have to restore to get

Answer 3

INtrinsic

Question 4

\_\_\_ sources of stains:
 caused by 
factors external to the 
tooth (extrinsic OR 
intrinsic stains)

Answer 4

Exogenous:

Question 5

_____ source of stains
: caused
by factors within the
tooth (always intrinsic)

Answer 5

Endogenous

Question 6

Do tooth stains cause disease?

Answer 6

Nope

Question 7

\_\_\_\_ stains:
• Common in all ages
• Associated with plaque accumulation
• Typically related to poor oral hygiene
• Source is typically food pigments

Answer 7

Yellow Stains

Question 8

____ stains:
• Light to dark in color
• Found within plaque
• Typically noted on facial cervical third of maxillary anteriors
• Sometimes covered by materia alba or grayish debris
• Dark green stain may become incorporated into tooth structure
• Caused by chromo-genic bacteria (color-producing bacteria), tobacco use, dark food/drinks (blueberries, red wine, coffee) and poor oral hygiene

Answer 8

Green Stains

Question 9

\_\_\_\_\_ stains:
Found along cervical third near gingival margin
Fine line that can be continuous or interrupted
Can appear black at pits/fissures
Attached via pellicle structure
Made up of microorganisms (gram + rods)
Common in women and children
Reforms after removal

Answer 9

Black line stains

Question 10

\_\_\_\_ stains:
• Light brown to dark black in color
• Diffuse staining of plaque; sometimes 
incorporated into calculus
• Heavier deposits (especially chewing 
tobacco) can become intrinsic staining
• Frequently noticed on lingual aspects of 
teeth
• Composed of tar products

Answer 10

Tobacco stains

Question 11

The following cause ___ stains
• Stannous fluoride
• Anti-plaque agents
• Betel leaf

Answer 11

Brown stains

Question 12

___ or ___ stain:
• Often appears at cervical third portion of tooth/anterior region
• Rare occurrence
• Etiology: chromogenic bacteria

Answer 12

Orange or Red stain

Question 13

The following are \_\_\_ stains
Drug-induced (tetracycline)
Tooth-trauma stain (necrotic 
pulp/pulpless tooth)
Restorative materials
Tooth development (fluorosis, 
hypoplasia, genetics)

Answer 13

Intrinsic stains

Question 14

• Removes extrinsic stain and plaque
• Smooth out the tooth surface
• Improves esthetic appearance
• Aids in prepping the tooth prior to 
bonding

Answer 14

Polishing

Question 15

• Removes fluoride-rich enamel layer

* Abrades dentin/cementum

Answer 15

Polishing

Question 16

\_\_\_\_\_
Aerosol 
production 
Bacteremia Produces 
heat
Tooth surface abrasion
Tissue trauma

Answer 16

Polishing

Question 17

\_\_\_\_\_\_ of polishing:
No extrinsic stain
Hypersensitivity
Decalcified/carious lesion
Cementum/dentin exposure
Fixed crowns (zirconia, gold, etc. require a 
specialty paste)
Newly erupted teeth
Gingival or periodontal inflammation (do not 
polish after scaling/root planing!)

Answer 17

Contraindications of Polishing

Question 18

What are the 3 extraoral polishing agents?

Answer 18

Pumice
Rouge
Emery

Question 19

What are the 3 intraoral polishing agents?

Answer 19

Pumice
Silicon dioxide
Tin oxide

Question 20

What you need for \_\_\_\_\_
• Slow speed handpiece WITH torque converter
• Disposable prophy angle
• Prophy paste
• Saliva ejector
• Air/water syringe
• 2x2 gauze

Answer 20

Polishing

Question 21

Should you floss teeth after polishing?

Answer 21

Yes

Question 22

Pros
• Quick removal of plaque and 
stain only (replaces polishing)
• Less fatigue for operator
• Patient comfort
Cons
• Aerosol production
• Limited visibility
• Taste
• Maintenance of unit
• Detrimental effects

Answer 22

Air powder polishing

Question 23

Contraindications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_:
• Exposed cementum/dentin
• Patient with respiratory issues/disease
• Composite/gold restorations
• Sodium restricted diet
• Possibly communicable disease?

Answer 23

Air powder polishing

Question 24

Used to remove biofilm (not stain) from subgingival root surfaces
Used to clean implants/ underneath fixed implant overdentures
Uses glycine-based powder
Flexible plastic tip for access

Answer 24

Sub G air polishing

Question 25

Standardized way of interpreting clinical
observations of plaque present on teeth
putting patients at risk for oral health
diseases such as caries and periodontitis
•Numerical value (%) given for observing
an individual’s ability to practice good
oral hygiene care at home and used for
patient understanding
•Other dental indices: bleeding, caries,
recession, gingival inflammation,
furcation involvement, etc.

Answer 25

Plaque index

Question 26

____ is used to help show patients the amount of plaque on their teeth

Answer 26

Disclosing agent

Question 27

•Products used to help dental clinicians identify
plaque on dentition
•Great methods for patient education, especially
when discussing caries and periodontal disease
•Helps patient comprehend oral hygiene
instructions and visually see plaque being
removed by toothbrushing and flossing
methods

Answer 27

Disclosing agents

Question 28

When using \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, be aware that the red dye 
can easily stain clothing and 
surfaces
•Ask the patient if there is any 
allergy to red dye, considering it is 
a main ingredient in the solution

Answer 28

liquid disclosing

agent

Question 29

What is the ideal plaque score?

Answer 29

Less than 20 %