Oral hygiene practices: toothbrushing

Question 1

What is toothbrushing not the most effective cleaning tool for?

Answer 1

Fissures

Interdental areas

Question 2

What percentage of adults are reported to not brush their teeth twice a day?

Answer 2

74%

Question 3

What are the 2 basic movements described for manual toothbrushing?

Answer 3

Sweeping

Penetrating

Question 4

Which technique for manual toothbrushing is most commonly recognised and recommended?

Answer 4

Bass technique

Question 5

Which method of manual toothbrushing is superior?

Answer 5

TRICK QUESTION

Neither is superior, if plaque is being removed effectively without trauma

Question 6

What is the objective of the bass technique?

Answer 6

To penetrate the gingival crevice

Question 7

Describe the positioning of the toothbrush bristles in the bass technique

Answer 7

Bristles point apically at 45 degrees, sitting into the gingival margin.

Question 8

Describe the method of the bass technique

Answer 8

• Pressed against tooth and gingival margin to bring adaptation to embrasures
• Short vibratory strokes moved in circles
• Brush moved along to next tooth without losing contact
• Systematic method - use mirror and concentrate

Question 9

Which patients may prefer to use an electric toothbrush over a manual?

Answer 9

People with disabilities or compromised dexterity

People with gum recession

Question 10

What are the key advantages of electric toothbrushes?

Answer 10

Timer

Pressure feedback

Question 11

What are the common errors when tooth brushing?

Answer 11

• Don’t spend enough time
• Not frequent enough
• Missing areas
• Afraid of worsening any bleeding
• Inadequate pressure
• Excessive pressure
• Not changing brush/head often enough.