Dental Quiz 2 Unit 1

What two diseases does preventive dentistry help stop?

Dental caries (decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease).

Why should pregnant women and mothers of infants use xylitol products?

To reduce their oral bacterial count and the transfer of bacteria from mother to child.

What is xylitol?

A sugar substitute found in products such as Trident.

What type of agent is toothpaste?

A topical agent applied to the outer surfaces of teeth.

What should an infant's bottle contain when they are being put to sleep?

Only water.

Why should an infant not be put to sleep with a bottle containing milk or juice?

The sugars can lead to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

What license are California RDAs required to complete before taking state boards to become an RDA? (For sealant)

A Pit & Fissure Sealant License.

What is the first step when placing a dental sealant?

Perform coronal polishing of the teeth to make sure the pits and fissures are clear of debris.

What is used to etch the teeth during dental sealant placement?

A liquid acid etchant containing phosphoric acid.

How does fluoride help prevent dental caries?

It slows demineralization and enhances remineralization of tooth structures.

How is fluoride administered to be effective?

Topically and systemically in a continuous pattern throughout the patient's life.

What is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical fluoride product?

A fluoride product used at home, such as toothpaste or mouthwash.

What is systemic delivery of fluoride?

Fluoride is ingested, absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, and delivered throughout the body and to the teeth through the vascular system.

What are the ways systemic fluoride can be ingested?

Water, beverages, food, and supplements.

What is topical delivery of fluoride?

Fluoride is applied directly to the patient's teeth.

What are examples of topical fluoride?

Fluoridated toothpaste, fluoridated mouthwash, foams, gels, and varnishes.

What does fluoride mineralization do to teeth?

It makes teeth more acid resistant and therefore more resistant to dental caries.

What can chronic overexposure to fluoride cause in children younger than six?

Fluorosis.

What can overuse or accidental ingestion of concentrated fluoride cause?

Acute fluoride poisoning.

What two types of fluoride can toothpaste contain?

Sodium fluoride (NaF) or stannous fluoride (SnF2).

What are the dietary sugars listed in the notes?

Sucrose, maltose, glucose, lactose, galactose, and fructose.

What does cariogenic mean?

Causing dental caries.

What are the primary sugar substitutes?

Saccharine, aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol.

Which sugar substitutes are non-cariogenic?

Saccharine, aspartame, sorbitol, and mannitol.

What does non-cariogenic mean?

Does not cause dental caries.

What does anti-cariogenic mean?

Helps prevent dental caries.

How does xylitol help prevent dental caries?

It prevents the growth of Streptococcus mutans.

What is Streptococcus mutans?

The primary bacteria that causes dental caries.

What is saline solution?

Salt water made from sodium chloride (NaCl) and water.

Why is saline solution used?

To remove debris and promote healing.

What is a periodontal dressing?

An oral bandage placed over the surgical site.

What foods should be avoided after a dental extraction?

Crunchy foods

What drinks should be avoided after a dental extraction?

Alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Can you drink through a straw after a dental extraction?

No.

Can you chew gum or hard candies after a dental extraction?

No.

Can you smoke or use chewing tobacco after a dental extraction?

No.

What physical activities should be avoided after a dental extraction?

Excessive physical activity and heavy lifting.

Why should excessive physical activity and heavy lifting be avoided after an extraction?

They can increase blood pressure and cause postoperative bleeding.

How often should the extraction site be rinsed with saline solution?

Twice daily.

Why should the extraction site be rinsed with saline solution?

To remove debris and promote healing.

What are the two types of floss?

Dental floss and dental tape.

What shape is dental tape?

Flat.

Can dental tape be waxed AND unwaxed or only just waxed or only just unwaxed?

Waxed AND Unwaxed

Can dental tape be flavored or unflavored or just flavored, or just unflavored?

Flavored and unflavored

What shape is dental floss?

Round.

Does the color or flavor of dental floss make it more effective?

No.

Can dental floss be waxed or unwaxed or only waxed, or only unwaxed?

Waxed and unwaxed

What type of dental floss is most effective for a patient with tight contacts?

Dental tape.

What are proximal surfaces?

The surfaces of adjacent teeth that touch.

Which surfaces are the proximal surfaces?

The mesial (M) and distal (D) surfaces.

What are interdental aids?

Specially designed aids for cleaning between teeth and areas that cannot be properly cleaned with routine brushing and flossing.

Where are interdental aids used?

Open interdental spaces

What is an End Tuft Brush?

A brush with soft nylon bristles arranged in a small circle at the end of a handle.

What is an End Tuft Brush used for?

Cleaning around fixed orthodontic brackets and appliances, space maintainers, under fixed bridges, and areas near embrasure spaces.

What is a Rubber Tipped Stimulator?

A handle with a soft, pointed rubber tip.

What is a Rubber Tipped Stimulator used for?

Cleaning interproximal spaces, exposed furcations, and under fixed orthodontic arch wires and appliances.

What additional benefit does a Rubber Tipped Stimulator provide?

stimulates good blood circulation

What is an Interproximal Brush, or Proxy Brush?

A brush with nylon bristles attached to a bendable wire and shaped like a cone.

How does a Proxy Brush compare to a Rubber Tipped Stimulator?

It is more aggressive.

Why should patients be careful when using a Proxy Brush?

To avoid traumatizing the surrounding soft tissues.

What is a Bridge Threader, or Floss Threader, used for?

Passing floss under the pontic of a fixed bridge.

What is a pontic?

The false tooth of a fixed bridge.

Why is a floss threader needed under a pontic?

The contact space has been closed, making it difficult to pass floss underneath.

What is an Automatic Flosser?

A battery-operated device designed for patients who cannot manually floss or use an interdental aid.

What is a Perio Aid?

reusable aid that holds replaceable wooden toothpick tips.

What is a Perio Aid used for?

Cleaning interproximal spaces that are difficult to floss.

What is oral irrigation?

A method that uses a pulsating pressurized spray to help clean difficult-to-reach areas.

What is a denture brush?

A brush with larger and stiffer bristles used to clean dentures.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NIDCR

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

NIOSH

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NIH

National Institutes of Health

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency

FDA

Food and Drug Administration

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PHAC

Public Health Agency of Canada

CDC

The federal non-regulatory agency that issues recommendations on health and safety.

FDA

The federal regulatory agency that oversees the regulation of sterilization equipment.

OSHA

The federal regulatory agency that enforces regulations related to employee safety.

ADS

The global resource for safety and infection prevention information in dentistry.

NIOSH

The federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for prevention of work-related disease and injury.

EPA

The federal regulatory agency that deals with issues concerning the environment or public safety.

PHAC

The federal agency responsible for public health in Canada.