Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism of action for potassium nitrate 5% in treating tooth hypersensitivity?
What is the primary mechanism of action for potassium nitrate 5% in treating tooth hypersensitivity?
- It enhances fluoride absorption in teeth.
- It creates a protective enamel layer.
- It blocks the growth of bacteria.
- It depolarizes nerves in tubules to block perception of stimuli. (correct)
Which side effect is generally associated with the use of potassium nitrate toothpaste?
Which side effect is generally associated with the use of potassium nitrate toothpaste?
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Decreased oral hygiene
- Allergic reaction to fluoride
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia (correct)
For how long is the onset period recommended for potassium nitrate 5% use to achieve optimal results?
For how long is the onset period recommended for potassium nitrate 5% use to achieve optimal results?
- 2 months
- 4 to 6 weeks
- 2 weeks (correct)
- 1 week
What should patients avoid when using arginine 8% + calcium carbonate toothpaste?
What should patients avoid when using arginine 8% + calcium carbonate toothpaste?
What is the most appropriate recommendation for a patient experiencing sharp and stabbing tooth pain after drinking coffee?
What is the most appropriate recommendation for a patient experiencing sharp and stabbing tooth pain after drinking coffee?
What is the recommended size of toothpaste for adults?
What is the recommended size of toothpaste for adults?
What is the recommended frequency for professional dental cleanings?
What is the recommended frequency for professional dental cleanings?
What is one of the main mechanisms of action of dentifrices?
What is one of the main mechanisms of action of dentifrices?
What is the acceptable amount of toothpaste for children younger than 3 years?
What is the acceptable amount of toothpaste for children younger than 3 years?
Which ingredient in dentifrices helps in reducing plaque?
Which ingredient in dentifrices helps in reducing plaque?
What should children do after brushing their teeth?
What should children do after brushing their teeth?
Fluoride can prevent which two dental issues?
Fluoride can prevent which two dental issues?
Which of the following conditions should prompt a visit to a dental professional?
Which of the following conditions should prompt a visit to a dental professional?
What is one of the primary goals of therapy to prevent gingivitis?
What is one of the primary goals of therapy to prevent gingivitis?
What should be avoided to help in preventing cavities?
What should be avoided to help in preventing cavities?
What is a recommended method for plaque removal after meals?
What is a recommended method for plaque removal after meals?
How frequently should dental floss be used daily?
How frequently should dental floss be used daily?
What is the claim regarding waxed dental floss and plaque buildup?
What is the claim regarding waxed dental floss and plaque buildup?
What potential benefit do probiotics have according to the information?
What potential benefit do probiotics have according to the information?
What is one reason why adequate vitamin D is important during pregnancy?
What is one reason why adequate vitamin D is important during pregnancy?
What is a common presenting symptom of dental caries?
What is a common presenting symptom of dental caries?
Which of the following is a potential etiology of caries?
Which of the following is a potential etiology of caries?
The pain described as sharp and stabbing when drinking coffee may be indicative of what condition?
The pain described as sharp and stabbing when drinking coffee may be indicative of what condition?
Which ingredient is likely to be beneficial for someone suffering from cheilitis?
Which ingredient is likely to be beneficial for someone suffering from cheilitis?
What is an appropriate first step for someone experiencing tooth hypersensitivity?
What is an appropriate first step for someone experiencing tooth hypersensitivity?
Which dietary component is known to contribute to the development of caries?
Which dietary component is known to contribute to the development of caries?
Which of the following is NOT typically a symptom of dental caries?
Which of the following is NOT typically a symptom of dental caries?
Which treatment option is most recommended for immediate relief of tooth hypersensitivity described in the scenario?
Which treatment option is most recommended for immediate relief of tooth hypersensitivity described in the scenario?
What is NOT a goal of therapy for minor oral mucosal injury or irritation?
What is NOT a goal of therapy for minor oral mucosal injury or irritation?
Which of the following is a nonpharmacologic therapy for minor oral mucosal injury or irritation?
Which of the following is a nonpharmacologic therapy for minor oral mucosal injury or irritation?
When should a patient be referred for further treatment of minor oral mucosal injury?
When should a patient be referred for further treatment of minor oral mucosal injury?
Which of the following options is an example of an oral protectant?
Which of the following options is an example of an oral protectant?
What is the role of saline rinse in the treatment of minor oral mucosal injury?
What is the role of saline rinse in the treatment of minor oral mucosal injury?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Gingivitis Prevention
- Prevent calculus formation
- Remove and control supragingival plaque
Oral Hygiene
- Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal
- Brush and floss daily (adults and children older than 5)
- Types of flossing:
- Dental floss
- Dental tape
- Tapered picks
- Waxed vs unwaxed floss
- Irrigating devices can be a supplement to brushing and flossing
Complementary and Non-Pharmacologic Options
- Activated charcoal - limited data to support claims about tooth whitening and absorbing pigments and stains
- Probiotics may benefit oral health
- Vitamin D - adequate intake during pregnancy can reduce caries in children
- Xylitol - meta-analysis in 2017 found no statistically significant benefit for children
OTC Treatments
- Professional dental cleanings every 6 months
- Fluoride
- Dentifrices (toothpastes)
- Fluoride-containing
- Tartar control
- Antiplaque/antigingivitis
- Whitening
- Botanical-based
- Mouthrinses
Toothpaste Use
- Adults: pea-sized amount, brush twice daily
- Children:
- Start brushing teeth at age 2
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Spit out toothpaste - do not rinse
- Younger than 3 years: use a rice-grain sized amount
- Older than 3 years: pea-sized amount
- Supervise children
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and change it every 3-4 months
- Hold toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
- Brush inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of teeth
- Too much fluoride can cause white flecks/stripes or brown spots on teeth
Pharmacologic Methods
- Dentrifrices - act directly on oral bacteria or disrupt plaque components
- Three functions of dentifrices
- Help remove plaque and stain
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste if experiencing tooth sensitivity; otherwise, seek dental referral
Potassium Nitrate 5% + Fluoride
- MOA: depolarizes nerves in tubules and pulp to block perception of stimuli; seals exposed dentin
- Indication: Tooth hypersensitivity
- Onset: 2 weeks; may take 4-6 weeks
- Duration: continues with use and beyond
- Dosing: brush with a pea-sized amount twice daily
- Avoid using with high abrasion toothpastes or whitening toothpastes
Arginine 8% + Calcium Carbonate
- MOA: depolarizes nerves in tubules and pulp to block perception of stimuli
- Indication: Tooth sensitivity
- Onset: 2 weeks
- Duration: same as potassium nitrate 5%
- Dosing: same as potassium nitrate 5%
- Avoid using with desensitizing toothpaste at the same time
Minor Oral Mucosal Injury/Irritation
- Etiology
- Dental procedures
- Accidental injury
- Refer patients if:
- Symptoms persist after 7 days of treatment or 10 days of initial injury
- Symptoms worsen during treatment
- Symptoms of infection develop (fever, redness, swelling)
Cheilitis
- Look for ingredients
- Aloe
- Beeswax
- Dimethicone
- Lanolin
- Paraffin
- Petroleum jelly
Caries
- Early symptoms may be absent
- Progressive lesion on teeth
- Visualize
- Sensitive to stimuli (heat, cold, sweetness, chewing)
- Continuous pain and difficulty chewing if lesion invades dental pulp
- Can progress to an abscess and tooth loss
- Etiology
- Carbohydrates in diet
- Oral bacteria
- Host resistance alterations:
- Orthodontic appliances
- Xerostomia
- Medications
- Radiation therapy
- Tobacco product use
- Alcohol use
- Immune system dysregulation
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
