What is dental plaque and how is it formed?

Dental plaque is a biofilm that is constantly forming

on teeth, formed by colonizing bacteria trying to
attach themselves to the tooth's smooth surface.

What are the symptoms of dental plaque? The symptoms of dental plaque include fuzzy teeth,
receding and bleeding gums, bad breath, and red,
swollen, softer gums that generally bleed after
brushing or flossing.

What are the complications of plaque? If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and
lead to cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease,
severe gum infection, tooth decay and loss, and
tooth infection.

What are the aids for oral hygiene improvement? Aids for oral hygiene improvement include
inter-dental brushing, flossing, and the use of oral
hygiene instruction and miswak.

How does dental plaque form part of the host's It has been speculated that plaque forms part of the
defense system? defense systems of the host by helping to prevent
colonization of microorganisms that may be
pathogenic.

What are some potential consequences of severe Severe gum infection can lead to periodontitis, tooth
gum infection? decay and loss, and abscessed teeth.

What are some ways to educate and motivate Talking to patients at their level, showing them their
patients about their periodontal condition? condition clinically and radiographically, explaining
the treatment plan, and explaining their role in
treatment.

Why is daily oral hygiene important for reducing Daily oral hygiene is necessary for reducing or
gingival inflammation? eliminating the ability of microbial plaque to initiate
or maintain gingival inflammation.

What is the primary aim of tooth brushing? The primary aim of tooth brushing is plaque
removal, to prevent and treat gum disease.

What is the secondary aim of tooth brushing? The secondary aim of tooth brushing is to allow for
the delivery of therapeutic agents such as fluoride
and antimicrobial agents.

What are the requirements of a standard The size and shape of the toothbrush are important
toothbrush? requirements.
What are interdental aids?
What is the Bass technique?
Why are interdental aids necessary?
What is the anatomy of interdental space?
What is the purpose of floss?
What is special purpose floss?
What is an interdental brush?
What is the purpose of an interdental brush?
What is an end-tufted brush?
What are some adjunctive aids for oral hygiene?
What is the purpose of dentifrices (toothpastes)?
Tools used to clean interproximally, including dental
tape, toothpicks, interproximal brushes, and
single-tufted brushes.
A toothbrushing technique where filaments are
angled at 45 degrees to the tooth and penetrate into
the crevice at 45 degrees.
No toothbrush can clean interproximally.
The space between two teeth.
To clean interdentally and extend subgingivally.
Floss designed to use under bridges and
orthodontic wires, consisting of a stiff threader,
spongy filament, and strand of regular floss.
A tool that permits cleaning of the proximal root
surface and provides access into developmental
grooves.
It permits cleaning of proximal root surface and
provides access into developmental grooves.
It is a brush with a single or small group of tufts that
may have pointed or flat trim, used in class 3
embrasures and around fixed dental appliances.
Disclosing tablets, intra-oral mirror, irrigation
devices, dentifrices (toothpastes), and
mouthwashes.
They are used in combination with brushing
because they facilitate plaque removal and can be
used to apply therapeutic agents e.g. fluoride,
anti-plaque/tartar agents, but should not be
abrasive.
What are some oral hygiene instructions? Show patient residual plaque, modify according to
patient needs and abilities, better when explained in
patient's mouth, check patient's technique, avoid
overwhelming patient with information at a single
visit, gradually build a relationship and an
understanding with your patient.

What is the purpose of smoking counseling? To educate the patient regarding the local and
systemic effects of smoking, and to reinforce the
relationship between periodontal disease and
smoking on multiple visits.

What is the relationship between periodontal The relationship is dose-dependent.

disease and smoking?

What is the recommended approach for reinforcing Reinforcement on multiple visits.

the relationship between periodontal disease and
smoking to a patient?

What is the purpose of a smoking cessation clinic? To help individuals quit smoking.

What is Miswak? Miswak is a chewing stick.

In which type of country is Miswak commonly used? Miswak is commonly used in Islamic countries.

How effective is Miswak compared to tooth brushing Miswak use is as effective as tooth brushing for
for reducing plaque and gingivitis? reducing plaque and gingivitis.

What is the antimicrobial effect of Miswak? Miswak has an antimicrobial effect.

What is the association between Miswak and Miswak is associated with Islam.
Islam?

How can the maximum benefits of Miswak be The maximum benefits of Miswak may be achieved
achieved? by encouraging optimum use of the Miswak.

How can traditional Miswak use be complemented Traditional Miswak use can be complemented with
for improved oral hygiene? modern technological developments such as tooth
brushing.