plaque control: toothbrushing and interdental cleaners Flashcards

1
Q

What’s the most important part of any dental appointment?

A

Prevention is the most important part of any dental appointment!

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2
Q

why is plaque control importnat?

A

an effective way of treating and preventing gingivitis
critical part of all the procedures involved in the treatment & prevention of periodontal disease.

key element of the practice of dentistry.
permits each patient to assume responsibility for his or her own oral health on a a daily basis. Without it, optimal oral health cannot be attained.
every patient in every dental practice should be educated about plaque control and be encouraged to perform a personalized program on a daily basis.

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3
Q

Should we use natural bristle toothbrushes?

A

Should be avoided:
More porous
Collect moisture,
odours & bacteria.

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4
Q

What type of toothrbush should we use?

A

Soft, nylon bristle toothbrushes clean effectively(when used properly), remain effective for a reasonable time, and tend not to traumatize the gingiva or root surfaces

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5
Q

what are the parts of a toothbrush?

A

Handle - plastic, straight variations ,thickened -sometimes helpful to those who have arthritis or other disabilities.

Head - working end holds bristles (straight & even) bristles are in tufts

Shank - connects head to handle

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6
Q

What’s the correct manual toothrbush size?

A

The length of the brush head should fit the length of the 4 mandibular incisors on the lingual surface

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7
Q

What brushing sequence should you use?

A

Begin brushing from the buccal molar region of 1 arch and work to the opposite side
Continue back around on the lingual
Repeat in the opposing arch
Each brush placement should overlap the previous one
Brush the occlusal/incisal surfaces

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8
Q

What frequency of brushing should be use?

A

A minimum of 2 brushings, accompanied by interdental cleaning per day

Brushing before bed is strongly recommended

Children-after meals

3 minutes is recommended

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9
Q

What are the 7 manual toothrbushing methods?

A
Bass
Modified Bass
Rolling Stroke
Modified Stillman
Charters
Fones
Scrub
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10
Q

What is the bass method? When is it recommended?

A
Recommended for patients with:
Biofilm adjacent to & directly beneath gingival margin
Open embrasures, exposed root surfaces
Orthodontic appliances
Crowns/bridges
Perio surgery

Hold the toothbrush using a palm grasp
Position the toothbrush filaments:
Apically
Parallel to long axis of tooth
Turn brush toward gingival margin to make a 45 degree > to long axis of tooth
Direct filament tips into gingival sulcus

Lightly press filament tips to enter gingival sulci, embrasures and cover gingival margins
Do NOT use excess pressure
Vibrate toothbrush bristles back/forth without moving the filaments from the sulci
Be careful the vibration does NOT turn into a scrub method
results in DAMAGE
Count 10 vibrations minimum
Reposition brush to the next 2-3 teeth-overlapping placement
Repeat at each position around Max/Mand arches on facials/lingual

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11
Q

What is the bass method for anterior teeth lingual/palatal?

A

Utilize heel of the brush head

Direct filament tips into sulci

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12
Q

what’s the modified bass method/

A

Identical to the Bass method

The modification incorporates a rolling stroke after the vibratory phase at the gingival sulcus

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13
Q

what’s the rolling stroke method?

A

Recommended for :
Removal of biofilm, material alba & food debris
Cleaning gingiva without emphasis on gingival sulcus
Meant for children with healthy
gingiva/normal tissue contour
Useful to prepare for Modified
Stillman instruction

Hold the toothbrush using a palm grasp
Position the toothbrush filaments:
Apically
Place side of brush on attached gingiva
Plastic portion of brush head level with occlusal/incisal plane of teeth

Flex side of filaments lightly against the gingiva
Gingiva will blanch
Slowly roll the brush over the teeth, rotating the wrist
Filaments remain flexed and follow the contour of the teeth
Repeat stroke 5 times minimum for each group of teeth
Reposition brush to the next 2-3 teeth, overlapping placement

for the lingual and palatal of anterior teeth

Use the heel of the brush head
Place filaments against teeth and gingiva
Press filaments and roll the brush-up for mand/down for max
Repeat 5X for each brush width

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14
Q

what’s the modified stillman method?

A

Recommended for:
Removal of biofilm on tooth surfaces and massaging of the gingiva

Hold toothbrush using a palm grasp
Position the toothbrush filaments:
Apically
Place side of brush on attached gingiva
Plastic portion of brush head level with occlusal/incisal plane of teeth

Flex side of filaments against the gingiva
Gingiva will blanch
Angle the filaments by rotating the wrist
Filaments should be directed at a 45 degree < with long axis of tooth

Activate brush - using a slight rotary motion

                            - keep filament tips in constant contact
                            - use light pressure on filaments    

Roll and vibrate brush-turn wrist, working the vibrating brush over gingiva and teeth

Be careful the vibration does NOT turn into a scrub method results in DAMAGE

Repeat stroke 5X minimum for each group of teeth

Reposition brush to the next 2-3 teeth, overlapping placement

for anterior teeth lingual/palatal

Use the heel of the brush head
Place filaments against teeth and gingiva
Press filaments, vibrate and roll the brush-up for mand
-down for max

Repeat 5X for each brush width

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15
Q

What ais the charters method?

A
Recommended for:
Loosening debris and biofilm
Massage/stimulation of gingiva
Removal of biofilm on proximal surfaces, when interproximal tissue is missing following perio surgery
Crowns/bridges
Orthodontic appliances

Patient to use a basic rolling stroke first, for general cleaning

Grasp toothbrush with a palm grasp
Direct filaments toward the occlusal/incisal plane of teeth to be brushed-i.e. down for max & up for mand
Insert brush inside mouth

Place sides of filaments against tooth with brush tips toward occlusal/incisal plane
Angle filaments at 45 degree < to occlusal/incisal plane

Using light pressure:
Flex the filaments
Force filament tips between the teeth
Press sides of filaments against gingiva
Vibrate brush gently, keeping filament tips in contact with tooth surface
Count to 10 slowly as the brush is vibrated
Reposition brush to the next 2-3 teeth, overlapping placement

The Charters method of toothbrushing is very difficult to position on lingual surfaces

Recommend a Modified Stillman technique

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16
Q

What’s the fones method?

A

Recommendation:
An easy-to-learn 1st technique for young children
Considered detrimental for adults-especially by a vigorous brusher

Select a soft toothbrush
Keep teeth closed
Place brush inside cheek, with filament tips contacting gingiva over last max. molar
Use light pressure
Use a fast, wide, circular motion, sweeping from maxillary gingiva to mandibular gingiva

Use light pressure
Use a fast, wide, circular motion, sweeping from maxillary gingiva to mandibular gingiva
Bring anterior teeth in end-to-end contact-continue with circular strokes

With jaws apart-use smaller circular sweeping motion to clean on the lingual surfaces of maxilla and mandible
Occlusal surfaces are brushed in an anteroposterior direction

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17
Q

what’s the scrub-brush method?

A

Recommendations:
Acceptable method initially for very young children
Generally not recommended-encourages gingival recession, tooth abrasion
Does not clean gingival margins/sulci or interproximal surfaces well
critical areas are missed

Select a soft toothbrush
Hold toothbrush using a palm grasp
Place filament tips perpendicular to long axis of teeth

Use a combination of vertical, horizontal and circular strokes

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18
Q

what are power toothbrushes?

A

Also known as power-assisted, automatic, mechanical or electric

Move in various speeds + motions not duplicated by manual toothbrushing

Research indicates power brushes to be more effective than manual toothbrushes

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19
Q

what should you consider for power toothbrushes?

A

Design-size + shape
Brushing method
Cost

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20
Q

when are power toothbrushes recmmmended?

A

Recommended for:

The removal of dental biofilm and food debris

The reduction of calculus and stain

When to recommend a Power Toothbrush:
Patients who have difficulty removing biofilm
Aggressive toothbrushers
Orthodontic patients
Dental implants
Major restorative/prosthodontic treatment
Patients with limited dexterity
Patients with disabilities
Patients who are unable to brush e.g. a parent or caregiver

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21
Q

What are the power sources for the power toothbrushes?

A
Power sources can be:
Direct-connects to electrical outlet
Replaceable batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Disposable-batteries are not replaceable or rechargeable

**NOTE: power brushes with replaceable batteries move slower than
those with rechargeable batteries

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22
Q

what’s the power brush procedure?

A

Provide patient with video instructions or demonstration model of the brush
Instruct patient to floss 1st
Use a dentifrice with minimum abrasivity -apply a small amount on the brush
Place brush inside mouth before turning on power prevents splashing
Move brush from most posterior teeth toward the anterior, quadrant by quadrant
Use light pressure

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23
Q

How should you care for toothbrushes?

A

Replace toothbrushes every 2-3 months before filaments become splayed

Clean thoroughly after each use by holding the brush head under a strong stream of warm water to remove debris, toothpaste and bacteria from between the filaments

Store brush in open air, toothbrush head in an upright position and not in contact with other brushes

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24
Q

what are some negative effects of toothbrushing?

A

Acute lacerations/ulcerations/trauma-most frequent on facial surfaces over canines/premolars

Dental abrasion-wearing away of tooth structure, resulting from a repetitive mechanical habit e.g. incorrect tooth brushing with an abrasive toothpaste

25
what are the contraindications for toothbrushes?
The use of a hard bristled toothbrush , vigorous horizontal brushing and the use of a very abrasive dentifrice, may lead to cervical abrasion of teeth and recession of gingiva.
26
what's the purpose of tongue cleaning?
``` Purpose: Reduces number of microorganisms Slows biofilm formation Reduces potential for halitosis Contributes to total mouth cleanliness ```
27
how to tongue brush?
Extrude the tongue Place head of toothbrush on the midline of the tongue The sides of the filaments are placed on the posterior of the tongue The filament tips are directed toward the throat Use light pressure and draw the brush forward toward the tip of the tongue Repeat 3-4 X Do NOT scrub the papillae **NOTE: Gagging can be a problem
28
what are tongue cleaners?
Made of plastic, rubber, stainless steel or other flexible metals May be curved, raised, textured Position the cleaner toward the most posterior area of the tongue surface Pull forward, using a light but firm stroke Cover the entire surface of the tongue Repeat several times Rinse tongue cleaner under running water
29
why do we need interdental cleaners and what should the selection consider?
Tooth brushing does not remove biofilm on proximal surfaces Interdental cleaning is essential for a patient’s self care program Things to consider: History of patient’s oral care-what are they currently using for self care Position of the teeth Shape of embrasures Probing depths Fixed or removable prostheses Personal factors e.g. disability/handicap that limit ability to perform self care
30
what are the 4 types of dental floss/tape?
Types of Floss: Waxed -slides easily through contact points, less shredding Unwaxed –thinner-better for tight contact points, tends to shred Tape-wider ribbon, easier to grasp Tufted floss e.g. super floss or NUFloss-for wide embrasures, abutment teeth, under pontics of a fixed bridge, ortho appliances
31
When should you floss?
Best results are obtained before brushing When flossing is accomplished first, biofilm is removed Fluoride from a dentifrice used while brushing reaches the proximal surfaces=dental caries prevention If brushing occurs before flossing, patient may not have time to floss or may feel mouth is clean and that flossing is not necessary
32
how should you floss?
Use approx. 18” of floss Wrap loosely around middle finger Firmly grasp ½” of floss between the fingertips Tuck excess floss in the palm of the hand For maxillary teeth: hold floss between thumb + index finger For mandibular teeth: direct floss down by holding the index fingers on top of the floss Guide the floss between the contact points using a controlled, short sawing motion- do NOT snap the floss between the contact points onto the gingiva Curve the floss around the tooth in a “C” shape Press the floss firmly against the tooth Slide the floss up and down the side of 1 tooth, moving gently beneath the gingiva Move the floss to the top of the papilla and reposition the floss on the next tooth Remove the floss by using the same controlled, short sawing motion or unwrap the floss from the fingers and pull through the teeth Slide to a new, unused portion of floss for succeeding proximal surfaces
33
what are floss cuts or floss clefts?
Occur on facial/lingual surfaces Appear as straight-line cuts from the gingival margin ``` Caused by: Using a piece of floss that is too long Snapping the floss through the contact Not curving the floss around the teeth Holding the floss straight Using undue pressure ```
34
what are flossing aids?
Floss Threader-threads floss under ortho appliances, fixed bridges Floss Holder/Floss Wand/Floss Picks-patient with disability Knitting Yarn-distals of posterior teeth, isolated teeth, diastemas, abutments/pontics of fixed bridges Gauze Strip-proximal surfaces of widely spaced teeth, teeth next to edentulous areas, abutments of fixed bridges, under a cantilevered bridge
35
what is superfloss?
``` Under bridges (abutments) small diastemas orthodontic flossing furcation Type III (through and through) Dental implants ```
36
what is sulcabrush?
A uni-tuft , firm bristled brush angled for “outside” (buccal) and “inside” (lingual) Tips are replaceable Used for cleaning the gingival margin and sulcus Ideal for ortho appliances, crowns, bridges, dental implants Travel size available Place the angled tuft on the distal surface of the last tooth The tip should be 1-2 mm beneath gingival margin Follow the outline of the gingival margin Add a circular motion in-between the teeth Use the end labeled “outside” for all buccal surfaces and for lingual posterior Use the end labeled “inside” for maxillary and mandibular anterior lingual
37
whats an interdental tip?
Flexible rubber tip attached to a handle or to the end of a toothbrush handle Removes biofilm at and below gingival margin Trace the tip along the gingival margin Tip should be positioned 1-2 mm beneath the margin For proximal surfaces-rub the tip against the teeth, moving it in & out of the embrasure and under the contact point
38
what is a toothpick in holder?
Known as a Perio-Aid Round toothpick is inserted into a plastic handle with contra-angled ends Used for patients with periodontitis-removes biofilm at & under gingival margin, interdental cleaning, concave proximal surfaces, exposed furcations Insert round, tapered toothpick into end of holder Break off the long end of the toothpick cleanly so that there are no sharp edges Apply toothpick slightly under the gingival margin at a slant Using moderate pressure, outline the gingival margin around each tooth
39
what is a wooden interdental cleaner?
For cleaning proximal surfaces where tooth surfaces are exposed & interdental gingiva are missing Made of basswood or birch wood Triangular cross-section Instruct patient to use a fulcrum on cheek/chin Soften pointed end by placing in mouth & moisten with saliva Insert the flat base of the triangle on the gingival side Clean the tooth surface by moving the wedge in & out Apply moderate pressure
40
what are soft-picks?
76 soft rubber bristles in a wire-free, tapered design Safe for crowns, bridges, dental implants, orthodontic appliances Difficult to access lingual surfaces Used like a toothpick
41
what is oral irrigation?
A home care device that delivers a pulsating or steady stream of water/therapeutic agent Used to remove loosely attached supragingival and subgingival biofilm Reduces gingivitis and bleeding Provides subgingival delivery of antimicrobial agents Variety of tips available-monojet, soft rubber tip, cannula
42
how do you use a water pik?
Fill reservoir with lukewarm water Insert tip-tapered plastic tip is designed to be placed at the gingival margin Adjust pressure to lowest setting for first time use Lean over sink and place tip in mouth, directing the tip at the teeth turn it on Direct tip at 90 degree < to gum line Slightly close lips to avoid splashing, but still allow water to flow from mouth into sink Start in molar region working to the front teeth Glide tip along gum line, pausing between teeth Gradually increase the pressure over a period of time-i.e. 1 notch every 2 weeks
43
What are subgingival tips for oral irrigators-pikpocket?
Soft rubber tip is designed to be placed 2 mm below gingival margin
44
What is a dentrifice?
Substance applied with a toothbrush for the removal of food debris, biofilm, stain from the gingiva and tooth surfaces Variety of active ingredients to help prevent caries, sensitivity, biofilm, gingivitis, calculus formation and halitosis
45
what are the active ingredients in dentrifices?
anti-biogilm/anti-gingivits - triclosan, zinc citrate, stannous fluoride anti-calculus - Pyrophosphate salts, zinc chloride, zinc citrate, Triclosan, Sodium Hexametaphosphate de-sensitizer - Potassium Nitrate, Strontium Chloride, Stannous Fluoride malodour - Chlorine Dioxide, Essential Oils, Zinc Chloride, Triclosan
46
what are examples of toothaste?
Anti-biofilm/Anti-gingivitis (Triclosan) E.g. Colgate Total Anti-calculus (Disodium Pyrophosphate) E.g. Crest Tartar Control Desensitizer (Potassium Nitrate) E.g. Sensodyne Malodour (Chlorine Dioxide) E.g. CloSYS Xerostomia (Enzymes/Fluoride) E.g. Biotene
47
what are mouthrinses for?
``` Formulated for a variety of oral benefits: Mouth freshening Caries prevention Control biofilm Contol oral malodour ``` Classified as: preventive, cosmetic, therapeutic
48
what are therapeutic mouthrinses?
FLUORIDE-stannous or sodium fluoride e.g. Crest Pro-Health Complete dental caries prevention reduce hypersensitivity reduce gingivitis Disadvantage: stannous fluoride may stain teeth CHLORHEXIDINE (CHX) e.g. Peridex Pre-procedural rinse to reduce bacterial aerosols Before, during & after perio debridement Post-surgery wound healing CHLORHEXIDINE (CHX) Disadvantages: staining of teeth, pits & fissures may cause an increase in supragingival calculus altered taste perception interacts with & is inactivated by the toothpaste ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate when occurs immediately after brushing **must wait 30 min after brushing before rinsing with CHX TRICLOSAN e.g. Colgate Total Reduces biofilm and biofilm accumulation Reduces gingivitis Reduces supragingival calculus formation PHENOL-RELATED ESSENTIAL OILS e.g. Listerine Reduces biofilm Reduces gingivitis ``` PHENOLIC-RELATED ESSENTIAL OILS Disadvantages: Burning sensation Bitter taste Contraindicated for current/recovering alcoholics due to alcohol content ``` ``` QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS e.g. Cepacol, Scope Disadvantages: Staining of teeth Increased supragingival calculus Burning sensation/desquamation ``` OXYGENATING AGENTS- 1.5% hydrogen peroxide or 10% carbamide peroxide Debriding agent Recommended for short-term use to reduce symptoms of ANUG & pericoronitis e.g. amosan, Colgate Peroxyl OXIDIZING AGENTS-chlorine dioxide e.g. Crest 3D White Short-term use to control oral malodour-cosmetic
49
What are dentricife recommendations for the pediatric patient?
BIRTH -1ST TOOTH ERUPTION -parents should clean child’s gums with a soft cloth + H2O or finger brush ERUPTION OF 1ST TOOTH -start brushing 2X/day with a soft, infant toothbrush and a non-fluoridated child toothpaste 2-5 YEAR OLDS -parents should dispense a “pea-sized” amount of a fluoridated toothpaste and perform/assist the child with brushing
50
what shoul you do for removable partial denture care?
Plaque forms on natural teeth and partial denture surfaces Partial dentures need to be brushed/cleaned as well Toothbrushing and interdental cleaning must be emphasized around abutment teeth
51
what should you do for edentulous/denture care?
Tissue under denture must be cared for: Remove denture daily Stimulate tissue with soft toothbrush or a facecloth Any deposit that can form on natural teeth can also form on denture surfaces. Immersion will not remove plaque, still requires mechanical friction
52
what should you do with dental implant care?
Use caution not to scratch titanium on implant. No sulcus but plaque and calculus can form. WHAT YOU CAN RECOMMEND TO YOUR IMPLANT PATIENTS FOR HOME CARE: Dental tape or tufted floss e.g. Superfloss Nylon coated interdental brushes (no metal wire) e.g. Proxabrush Sulcabrush Rubber tip stimulator Perio-aid Soft picks Water irrigator e.g. waterpik
53
how sholud you floss for dental implants?
FLOSSING TECHNIQUE FOR AN IMPLANT: Insert dental tape or Superfloss on both sides (mesial/distal) of the implant. Wrap the floss around the implant and crisscross in front. Move floss in a sawing or shoe-shine motion.
54
what should you do for orthodontic plaque control?
``` Complicating factors: Age Hormonal imbalances Exaggerated gingival response to local irritants Gingival enlargement Position of the teeth Problems with the appliances Self-care is difficult and tedious ```
55
what about toothrbushing bonded brackets?
Power brushes a very effective Select a brush with bi-level filaments i.e. middle row is shorter so that it can be applied directly over the brackets ``` Insert brush above, over, and below brackets Additional recommendations: floss threader, interdental brushes, sulcabrush, rubber tip, oral irrigation ```
56
what is xerostomia and what should you do for the xerostomia patient?
XERSTOMIA: -dryness of the mouth caused by a lack of normal secretions ``` CAUSES: Pharmacologically induced-side effect Sjogren’s syndrome Surgical removal of salivary glands Radiation treatment to head/neck ``` USE OF A SALIVA SUBSTITUTE -preparation with chemical/physical properties similar to saliva -contains CMC-carboxymethycellulose and the minerals calcium, phosphorous & fluoride Instruct patient to place a small amount in their mouth Distribute the solution over all surfaces with the tongue Use as needed for comfort
57
what should you do to help patients with dental caries?
Dietary survey may be needed Explain the relationship between plaque, sucrose and dental caries Fluoride in toothpastes, rinses, professional applications important e.g. PreviDent toothpaste
58
what are disclosing agents?
Is a liquid/tablet preparation containing dye | Used to identify biofilm deposits for evaluation/instruction
59
how do you use disclosing agents?
SOLUTION: Gingival tissue examination must be completed before disclosing agent is applied because disclosing agents mask tissue colours Apply lubricant to lips to prevent staining Retract the lips/cheek/tongue, and dry teeth with compressed air Use a cotton tip applicator & generously paint the crowns of the teeth with the solution Rinse mouth with 3-way syringe/suction RINSE: Place a few drops of concentrated disclosing agent in a paper cup and dilute with water Instruct the patient to rinse/swish the solution over the teeth TABLET: Instruct patient to chew ½-1 tablet and swish the dissolved solution for 30-60 seconds, covering the teeth Rinse with water