NBDHE Dental Hygiene Flashcards

What field of expertise does an orthodontist have?

Answer: Your Bite And Smile

An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, primarily focusing on malocclusions (misaligned teeth and jaws). Their expertise lies in correcting bite problems and improving the alignment of teeth to enhance both oral function and the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile. This often involves the use of braces, aligners, and other corrective appliances.

What do you bite onto to leave your bite impression, which reveals the alignment of your teeth?

Answer: Wax

Dental wax is commonly used to take bite impressions, also known as occlusal registrations. The patient bites into the softened wax, which records the precise relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. This impression is crucial for dentists and lab technicians to accurately assess the patient's bite alignment and jaw relationship when fabricating restorations or orthodontic appliances.

Which name describes odontalgia more frequently?

Answer: Toothache

Odontalgia is the medical term for tooth pain. It directly translates from Greek as 'tooth' (odon) and 'pain' (algia). Therefore, 'toothache' is the most common and direct description of odontalgia, referring to any pain experienced in or around a tooth.

What is the titanium object that appears like a tooth and is used?

Answer: Dental implant

A dental implant is a titanium post, shaped like a tooth root, that is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Titanium is biocompatible, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable and durable foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture, effectively mimicking the function and appearance of a natural tooth root.

What class of dental product includes Listerine and Scope?

Answer: Mouthwash

Listerine and Scope are widely recognized brands of mouthwash. Mouthwash is a liquid oral hygiene product used to rinse the mouth, typically to reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and sometimes to deliver therapeutic agents like fluoride. It is a distinct category of dental product separate from toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss.

Fluoride can be found in what sources?

Answer: Water

Fluoride is naturally present in many water sources, and community water fluoridation is a common public health measure in many areas. This involves adjusting the fluoride content in municipal water supplies to optimal levels to help prevent tooth decay. While trace amounts can be found in some foods, fluoridated water is a primary and significant source of fluoride intake for many people.

What are the main components of a tooth: enamel, cementum, pulp?

Answer: Dentin

The main components of a tooth include enamel (the outermost protective layer), cementum (covers the root surface), pulp (the innermost soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels), and dentin. Dentin is the yellowish, bone-like tissue that lies beneath the enamel and cementum, forming the bulk of the tooth structure and surrounding the pulp chamber. It provides support and resilience to the tooth.