Dental Health Education Module: Dentifrices, Mouth Rinses, & Tongue Cleaning

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding dentifrices, mouth rinses, and practices for maintaining oral hygiene, particularly addressing their ingredients, uses, and patient recommendations.

What are the main ingredients of dentifrices?

Surfactants, abrasives, binders, humectants, preservatives, flavoring agents, sweeteners.

What is the primary purpose of mouth rinses?

To provide preventive, cosmetic, and therapeutic benefits for oral health.

How do dentifrices help in managing halitosis?

They help reduce oral malodor by removing bacteria and controlling volatile sulfur compounds.

What is the role of fluoride in dentifrices?

Fluoride helps in preventing dental caries and enhancing remineralization of teeth.

Which ingredient in dentifrices is responsible for cleaning and polishing teeth?

Abrasives.

What is the function of humectants in dentifrices?

Humectants retain moisture and prevent the dentifrice from hardening when exposed to air.

What are common types of surfactants used in dentifrices?

Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate.

How often should tongue cleaning be done to reduce halitosis?

Daily as part of a routine oral hygiene.

What is the importance of the ADA Seal of Acceptance?

It indicates that the product is safe and effective, backed by scientific research.

What should be considered when recommending a dentifrice to a pediatric patient?

Age, ability to spit, and specific oral health needs.

What are the therapeutic benefits of chlorhexidine mouth rinse?

It acts as an antimicrobial and helps in the management of gingivitis.

How do oxidizing agents help with halitosis?

They target and neutralize volatile sulfur compounds causing bad breath.

What is a recommended method for homemade saline rinses?

Mix ½ tsp. of salt in 1 cup of warm water, rinse for 30-60 seconds, and expectorate.

What are the primary ingredients used in the formulation of mouth rinses?

Alcohol, flavor, humectant, surfactant, water, preservative, and active ingredients.