Teeth Whitening Teeth Terminology 3

Question 1

What is 'pellicle' on the tooth surface?

Accepted Answer

A thin protein film from saliva that coats enamel

Answer

The acquired pellicle is a thin salivary glycoprotein film that forms on enamel within minutes of cleaning.

Question 2

What does 'calculus' refer to in dental terminology?

Accepted Answer

Hardened plaque (tartar)

Answer

Calculus, also called tartar, is mineralized dental plaque that hardens on tooth surfaces and cannot be removed by brushing.

Question 3

What is the term for yellow or brown tooth discoloration caused by the antibiotic tetracycline?

Accepted Answer

Tetracycline staining

Answer

Tetracycline staining is an intrinsic discoloration caused by tetracycline antibiotics binding to dentin during tooth development.

Question 4

What is 'fluorosis' in terms of tooth appearance?

Accepted Answer

White spots or brown discoloration from excessive fluoride during development

Answer

Dental fluorosis results from ingesting too much fluoride during enamel formation, causing white spots or brown mottling.

Question 5

The term 'shade guide' refers to what tool used in cosmetic dentistry?

Accepted Answer

A standardized color reference chart for matching tooth color

Answer

A shade guide is a standardized set of tooth-colored tabs used to measure and document tooth color before and after whitening.

Teeth Whitening Practice Test