Oral hygiene means keeping the mouth clean and helping prevent disease and other problems, such as bad breath. This lesson introduces the purposes of oral care, common oral diseases, and the role of the oral microbiome.
Oral hygiene includes regular toothbrushing and other habits that keep the teeth, gums, tongue, and other parts of the mouth clean. Routine care helps limit plaque and supports prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Oral hygiene is ongoing: plaque begins to form again after a tooth surface has been cleaned.
All flashcards
Dental plaque
A sticky bacterial biofilm that attaches to tooth surfaces and can contribute to decay and gum inflammation.
Calculus
Hardened plaque, also called tartar, that generally requires removal by a dental professional.
Interdental cleaning
Cleaning between teeth to remove plaque and food from surfaces a toothbrush cannot fully reach.
Dental sealant
A coating placed over grooves on back teeth to help prevent food trapping and interrupt decay.
Chlorhexidine gluconate
An antiseptic rinse used for particular short-term purposes, such as post-surgical wound care or plaque control.
Quiz questions
How can plaque bacteria contribute to tooth decay?Answer: They use fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids that can damage tooth structure.
What usually happens when dental plaque hardens into calculus?Answer: It becomes firmly attached and generally requires professional removal.
Which manual brushing technique is recommended for cleaning along the gum line?Answer: Angle the bristles toward the gums and use small, gentle circular motions.
Which statement best describes mouthwash in an oral hygiene routine?Answer: It may have specific uses, but it does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.
What conclusion is warranted by reported links between oral disease and systemic conditions?Answer: Reported associations do not prove that oral disease directly causes every linked condition.
Based on the Wikipedia article Oral hygiene, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.