Preventive Dentistry Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of fluoride in dental care?

Answer: To strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay

Fluoride strengthens enamel through remineralization, replacing lost minerals in early decay and forming fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid attack than regular hydroxyapatite.

What is dental plaque?

Answer: A sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms on tooth surfaces

Dental plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm containing millions of bacteria that continuously forms on tooth surfaces. If not removed regularly, it produces acids that cause decay and toxins that cause gum disease.

At what age should a child first visit a dentist according to the AAPD?

Answer: By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, establishing early preventive care and parental education.

What is the recommended technique for brushing teeth?

Answer: Modified Bass technique with bristles angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline

The modified Bass technique involves placing bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and using short back-and-forth strokes, then sweeping away from the gums to remove plaque effectively.

What is the main purpose of dental sealants?

Answer: To protect pit and fissure surfaces of teeth from decay

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars) to fill in pits and fissures where bacteria and food particles collect, preventing decay.

What dietary factor most contributes to dental caries?

Answer: Frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates

Frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates (sugars and starches) provides substrate for oral bacteria to produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel, leading to dental caries.