Question 1

It is recommended patients use soft-bristled toothbrushes because only soft bristles reach 1 mm subgingivally.

Accepted Answer

The statement is correct as soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended to use as they help prevent damage to teeth and gums. However, the reason is incorrect. Soft bristles may still miss 1 mm subgingivally and it is recommended to use proper brushing techniques to reach subgingival areas instead of relying solely on the bristle type.

Question 2

Which of the following devices is best used to clean a type I embrasure?

Accepted Answer

Dental floss is the best device for cleaning a type I embrasure, which is a narrow space between two teeth where the tip of an interdental brush or regular toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss can easily slide into this space and remove any debris or plaque that has accumulated there. The other options listed (End-tuft brush, Toothbrush, Wooden wedge) are not as effective or appropriate for cleaning this particular area.

Question 3

Which of the following devices is best used to clean a type III embrasure?

Accepted Answer

An end-tuft brush is the best choice for cleaning a type III embrasure, as it has a small, tapered head and angled bristles that can effectively reach and clean the tight space between teeth with gingival recession. Dental floss or dental tape may be difficult to maneuver in this area, and a toothbrush may not be able to reach the area adequately.

Question 4

Which of the following concentrations of sodium fluoride is found in most dentifrices?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following concentrations of sodium...

Question 5

Which of the following adverse effects is seen with stannous fluoride?

Accepted Answer

Stannous fluoride can cause staining of dentin.

Question 6

Which of the following devices is best for removing plaque from the interproximal surface of an abutment tooth of a bridge?

Accepted Answer

Floss threaders are designed to navigate around and clean hard-to-reach areas, particularly the interproximal surfaces of bridges and abutment teeth. They allow the floss to be threaded under the bridge and around the abutment tooth to remove plaque and food debris, making it the best choice for this scenario. Dental floss, rubber tip stimulators, and implant floss are also useful tools for oral hygiene but may not be as effective in removing plaque from the interproximal surfaces of bridges and abutment teeth.

Question 7

Which of the following ingredients is found in patient-applied densensitizing agents?

Accepted Answer

Patient-applied desensitizing agents commonly contain potassium nitrate as an active ingredient, which helps to reduce tooth sensitivity. PENTA is a restorative material, ferric oxalate is used for tooth bleaching, and hydrogen fluoride is a highly corrosive substance that is not used in desensitizing agents.

Question 8

Which of the following instructions applies to a patient with gingival enlargement?

Accepted Answer

Frequent maintenance visits help in reducing plaque levels, which is crucial for managing gingival enlargement.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is true about implant oral care?

Accepted Answer

Oral care for implants should start immediately after uncovering the implant. This includes regular brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-metallic floss or interdental brushes. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes or metal wire interdental brushes as they can damage the implant surface.

Question 10

Which of the following interdental aids is highly recommended for patients with braces?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following interdental aids is...

Question 11

Which of the following treatments is most often suggested as the initial step in treating dentinal hypersensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Desensitizing dentifrice is the most common and effective initial treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity. It helps to block the nerve endings in the dentin and provide relief from sensitivity. Drinking hot beverages, soft tissue grafts, and gold restorations are not typically recommended as first-line treatments for dentinal hypersensitivity.

Question 12

Which of the following toothbrushing methods is recommended to patients following periodontal surgery?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following toothbrushing methods is...

Question 13

Which of the following concentrations is found in stannous fluoride gel preparations?

Accepted Answer

Stannous fluoride gel preparations typically contain a concentration of 0.40%.

Question 14

Which of the following substances is found in tartar-control dentifrices?

Accepted Answer

Pyrophosphate is the substance found in tartar-control dentifrices. It helps prevent the formation of tartar (calcium phosphate) on teeth by inhibiting mineral deposition.

Question 15

Which of the following ingredients helps retain moisture and prevents drying in a dentifrice?

Accepted Answer

A humectant helps retain moisture and prevent drying in a dentifrice. Flavoring agents give dentifrices their taste and smell, preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, and thickening agents add viscosity and texture to the product, but they do not necessarily help retain moisture.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is correct concerning treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Blocking or sealing open dentinal tubules is the most effective and common method of treating dentinal hypersensitivity. Cauterizing pulpal nerves or building up dentinal sensitivity are not appropriate or effective treatments. Anesthetizing pulpal and dentinal nerves may provide temporary relief, but does not treat the underlying cause of the sensitivity.

Question 17

Which of the following toothbrushing methods is recommended to patients with orthodontic bands?

Accepted Answer

The Charters method is recommended for patients with orthodontic bands because it is effective at cleaning around brackets and under wires, helping to remove plaque and debris in these hard-to-reach areas.

Question 18

Which of the following interproximal devices is most effective in a class I embrasure effective in reducing caries?

Accepted Answer

Dental floss is the most effective interproximal device for removing plaque and debris from class I embrasures, which are the spaces between adjacent teeth where no contact occurs. This is because floss can reach deeper into the embrasure than other interproximal devices such as wooden sticks and rubber tip stimulators. Electric toothbrushes are effective for removing plaque from tooth surfaces but may not be as effective in removing interproximal plaque as dental floss.

Question 19

Which of the following patient-applied substances is most effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Potassium nitrate is the most effective patient-applied substance in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. It works by blocking nerve impulses and reducing the sensitivity of nerve endings in the pulp of the tooth. Sodium fluoride can also be helpful in reducing sensitivity, but not as effective as potassium nitrate. Strontium chloride and oxalate salts have also been used for this purpose, but their effectiveness is not as well established as potassium nitrate.

Question 20

Which of the following ingredients is found in Prevident 5000 Plus Gel?

Accepted Answer

Prevident 5000 Plus Gel contains 1.1% sodium fluoride as its active ingredient.

Quiz 16: Oral Hygiene for the Periodontal Patient: Beyond the Basics