Toothpaste/Mouthwash/Varnishes

Question 1

what are the constituents of toothpaste?

Answer 1

abrasives
humectant
binding agent
preservatives
detergent
colouring agents

Question 2

what are abrasives?

Answer 2

20-40%
e.g calcium carbonate
used to aid plaque/stain removal without causing wear of enamel and dentine

Question 3

what is a humectant?

Answer 3

10-30%
glycerol/sorbitol
used to retain moisture and drying out if exposed to air

Question 4

what is a binding agent?

Answer 4

1-5%
alginates/gum
prevents separation of solid and liquid whilst storing

Question 5

what are preservatives?

Answer 5

0.05-0.5%
alcohols. benzoates, formaldyyhydes
prevents bacterial growth

Question 6

what are detergents?

Answer 6

sodium lauryl sulphate

loosens debris, foaming action

Question 7

what are colouring agents?

Answer 7

titanium oxide

artificial dyes

Question 8

what are flavouring agents?

Answer 8

aromatic oils
peppermint
menthol etc
imporves taste

Question 9

what is a solvent?

Answer 9

20-40%
water
dissolves other ingredients resulting in a paste

Question 10

what are antibacterials?

Answer 10

triclosan

antibacterials reduce plaque formation

Question 11

what are anticalculus agents?

Answer 11

prophosphates

inhibits plaque mineralisation

Question 12

desensitizing agents?

Answer 12

• strontium/potassium chloride/potassium acetate

reduce/eradticates sensitivity

Question 13

what buffers may be in toothpaste?

Answer 13

bicarbonate

reduce acidity of plaque

Question 14

how does chlorhexidine work?

Answer 14

kills bacteria by damaging the cell wall
greater and more prolonged effect
has ability to adhere to tooth surface for long periods of time

Question 15

what are the disadvantages of chlorhexidine?

Answer 15

unpleasant taste
alters taste sensation
stains teeth/oral mucosa/tongue
encourages calculus formation
may cause parotid swelling/mucosal erosion

Question 16

what are the properties of phenolic mouthwashes?

Answer 16

only moderate plaque reducing capabilities
strong flavor
poor retention
high alchohol content

Question 17

what are oxygenating mouthwashes?

Answer 17

contain hydrogen peroxide
fizz up in mouth creating oxygen bubbles
oxygen bubbles kill certain types of anaerobic bacteria
specifically for ANUG

Question 18

what is sanguinarine?

Answer 18

moderate plaque reduction

Question 19

what is propolis?

Answer 19

clinical studies show that this is not effective against plaque bacteria

Question 20

what is the conc of fluoride varnish?

Answer 20

26 000ppmF

Question 21

what is cervitec?

Answer 21

chlorhexidine varnish

applied to root surface to reduce sensitivity