Toothpaste revision notes quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of toothpaste in relation to oral health?

Provide a sweet taste to enhance enjoyment of brushing

Increase saliva production for better oral hydration

Prevent and reduce caries by applying fluoride (correct)

Eliminate all types of oral bacteria completely

Which ingredient category in toothpaste serves the purpose of holding all components together?

Whitening agents

Emulsifier/binding agents (correct)

Detergents/foaming agents

Humectants

How can toothpaste help improve a person's confidence?

By containing antimicrobial agents

By using bright coloring agents

By providing a pleasant smell

By improving breath quality (correct)

What best describes the function of humectants in toothpaste?

They keep the toothpaste moist and prevent hardening Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ingredients contributes to the texture and foaming aspect of toothpaste?

Detergents/foaming agents Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended technique when using fluoridated toothpaste?

Use spit, don’t rinse Signup and view all the answers

What role do sweeteners play in toothpaste formulations?

To mask unpleasant flavors and enhance taste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a humectant used in toothpaste?

Glycerine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of incorporating antimicrobial agents into toothpaste?

To prevent gingival inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of preservatives in dental products?

Preventing contamination by bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Fluoride toothpaste usage recommendations vary based on which factors?

Age, risk factors, and other fluoride sources Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fluoride is commonly prescribed for children 10+ years with high dental caries risk?

Sodium monofluorphosphate MFP Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended size of toothpaste for children aged 0-3 years?

Smear size Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ingredient in desensitising agents for dental products?

Strontium chloride Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common whitening agent used in dental products?

Strontium acetate Signup and view all the answers

For adults and children over 6 years, what is the fluoride concentration recommended in toothpaste?

1350-1500ppm Signup and view all the answers

What role does fluoride play in dental health?

It encourages remineralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of using whitening agents with additional abrasive action?

Increased sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of mild abrasive action in toothpaste?

To control superficial stains Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is known for encouraging remineralization and is vital in preventing caries?

Fluoride Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Toothpaste Constituents

Non-active ingredients:
- Emulsifiers/binding agents (1-5%): Hold all ingredients together, prevent separation of components, increase stability and shelf life.
- Detergents/foaming agents (1-2%): Create foam to loosen debris, distribute paste, achieve mouth dryness. Examples include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate.
- Alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, acacia gum: Used in toothpaste formulations.
- Humectants (10-30%): Maintain moisture, prevent hardening. Examples include water, glycerine, propylene glycol.
- Preservatives (0.05-1%): Prevent contamination by bacteria, maintain purity and shelf-life. Examples include alcohol, benzoates, phenols.
Active ingredients:
- Fluoride: Prevent caries, encourages remineralization, available in different concentrations based on age. (sodium monofluorophosphate, Sodium fluoride, Stannous fluoride).
- Desensitizing agents: Aid with dentine sensitivity, block dentine tubules, examples: strontium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate.
- Whitening agents: Minimal effects, possible superficial stain removal. Examples include charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, silica, carbamide peroxide.
- Anti-plaque/microbial agents: Helps restrict formation/development of plaque biofilm, prevent bacteria from producing certain enzymes. Examples include triclosan, zinc citrate trihydrate, chlorhexidine, sodium ricioleate.
- Anti-calculus/tartar agents: Very limited evidence, supposed to interfere with plaque mineralisation, no effect on established calculus formation. Examples include calcium pyrophosphates, sodium hexametaphosphate.

Functions of Toothpaste

Prevent and reduce caries: Apply fluoride to dentition.
Assist in plaque and superficial stain removal.
Prevent gingival inflammation: Include antimicrobials.
Achieve desensitizing action: Include desensitizing agents.
Improve appearance: Inclusion of whitening agents.
Improve breath: Increase confidence.
Make tooth brushing more pleasurable: Create a more enjoyable experience.

Fluoride Advice for Patients

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride amount: Based on age, risk factors, and other fluoride sources.
Spit, don't rinse: Technique for optimal fluoride absorption.

Sweeteners

Non-fermentable sugars: Sweeteners including xylitol, sorbitol, and saccharin.

Flavouring agents

Masks flavor of other ingredients.
Makes paste palatable and pleasant.
Examples include peppermint, spearmint, aniseed, eucalyptus, lemon, and menthol.

Colouring agents

Chlorophyll and titanium dioxide are examples for adding color.
Enhance visual appeal.

Polishing/Abrasive Agents

Mild abrasive action: Helps control superficial stains.
Examples include calcium carbonate, silica particles, sodium chloride, zirconium silicate, and calcium pyrophosphate.

Children's Toothpaste Dosage

Children 0-3 years: Smear size, 1000ppm+ fluoride
Children 3-6 years: Pea-sized, 1350-1500ppm fluoride
Children over 6 & adults: Pea-sized, 1350-1500ppm fluoride
Children 10+ years: High caries risk, prescribed 2800ppm or more fluoride.

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Description

Explore the various constituents of toothpaste, including both active and non-active ingredients. Learn about emulsifiers, humectants, fluoride, and desensitizing agents that contribute to oral health. This quiz delves into the functions and significance of each component in toothpaste formulation.