NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry Flashcards

The modified Stillman toothbrushing technique is specifically recommended for patients with:

Answer: Gingival recession and exposed root surfaces

The modified Stillman technique combines vibratory strokes at the gingival margin with coronal sweeping strokes, making it suitable for patients with gingival recession.

Which type of dental floss is most recommended for patients with tight contact points?

Answer: Waxed floss

Waxed dental floss glides more easily through tight interproximal contacts and is less prone to shredding than unwaxed floss.

The DMFT index records:

Answer: Decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth

The DMFT index is an epidemiological measure of lifetime caries experience, counting decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth.

Professionally applied fluoride varnish provides caries protection primarily through:

Answer: A sustained topical fluoride reservoir on tooth surfaces

Fluoride varnish adheres to tooth surfaces, creating a sustained fluoride reservoir that slowly releases fluoride to promote enamel remineralization.

Secondary prevention in dentistry is best illustrated by:

Answer: Early detection and treatment of incipient gingivitis

Secondary prevention involves early disease detection and intervention to halt progression, such as identifying and treating early gingivitis before it advances to periodontitis.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first dental visit should occur:

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

The AAPD recommends the first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first primary tooth erupting to establish early preventive care.