Plaque Control Flashcards
What are the three (or four) sites where caries most commonly occur?
- fissure
- proximal surfaces
- facial and lingual surfaces
* 4. Margins of restorations
Is toothbrushing sufficient for reducing caries?
NO, mechanical removal alone is not sufficient
Why is toothbrushing not sufficient, in terms of physical removal?
bristles do not reach into fissures or interproximal surfaces
Toothbrushing with _______ DOES reduce caries rates.
fluoridated toothpaste
Why are new studies regarding fluoride toothpaste unlikely to occur?
it is unethical to withhold fluoride for controls
What are the two main reasons why brushing for caries reduction is not effective?
- Bristles do not reach caries prone sites
2. it is not carried out sufficiently thoroughly
What is the recommended frequency of brushing?
twice a day is more effective than once for caries prevention (every other day is sufficient for gingivitis)
True or False: Some evidence shows that fluoride before meals reduces acid production.
True
What is the most beneficial time of the day to brush?
Before bed
Does the amount of toothpaste matter in caries prevention?
No, amount does not. but higher concentrations of fluoride are more effective
What is the recommendation for rinsing after brushing?
Spit don’t rinse
When should children begin brushing their teeth?
before age 1 (earlier commencement correlates to decreased caries)
True or False: Pulsating electric toothbrushes have been proven more effective than rotating electric toothbrushes.
False: both work equally well, patient preference
Patients rarely excede _____ per brushing session.
60 seconds
Interproximal flossing by a professional reduced caries by ____% but daily at-home flossing had no effect.
40
Effective at-home hygiene measures are more important for ________ health than for caries prevention. What are better preventative measures for caries?
periodontal
fluoride and sealants
What time frame for professional prophylaxis showed a substantial reduction in caries?
every two weeks
semi-annual has no effect, monthly has no effect
______ _______ _______ ______ paired with Oral Hygiene Instruction is more effective for prevention of perio disease than either alone.
Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal
Are antibiotics appropriate for plaque control?
Antibiotics will reduce levels of bacteria but are not appropriate for long-term use (resistance will develop and beneficial species will also be killed off)
Chemical rinses used for plaque control are not effective against ______ problems.
subgingival
- do not enter sulcus
- do not act against GCF pressure
What kind of rinse or varnish is available in 0.12% upon prescription?
Chlorhexidine
What are the side effects to chlorhexidine rinse?
staining, calculus, taste alterations, and tissue irritation
Is chlorhexidine better in treatment of gingivitis or caries reduction?
gingivitis
What is casein phosphopeptide (Recaldent, MI Paste)?
-Milk protein bound to amorphous calcium phosphate
-binds to plaque
-Supplies calcium and phosphate during acid attack
(not as effective as fluoride, but some benefits seen)
