PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW 2026 VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉In addition to effective brushing and flossing, how can a pregnant
woman help to reduce the bacteria in her mouth? Answer: Pregnant
women can use an antibacterial mouth rinse and chewing gum or
mints that contain xylitol.
◉When does good oral health begin? Answer: At birth.
◉What oral hygiene procedure should be started even before the
infant has any teeth? Answer: Wiping the gums gently with a clean
wet cloth after each feeding.
◉When should the process of brushing the teeth begin? Answer: As
soon as the first tooth appears.
◉How much toothpaste should be used for a small child? Answer: A
pea-sized dab.
,◉What liquid would be acceptable to give an infant or toddler at
bedtime, and why? Answer: Water because milk and juices can cause
early childhood caries.
◉When should a baby first visit the dentist? Answer: By the time of
their first birthday.
◉What is a dental sealant? Answer: A plastic-like coating that is
applied over the occlusal pits and grooves of the teeth. They are used
to protect difficult-to-clean occlusal surfaces of the teeth from the
bacteria that cause decay.
◉What has been the primary weapon used to combat dental caries
since the 1950s? Answer: Fluoride.
◉How does fluoride control the caries-process? Answer: By slowing
demineralization and enhancing remineralization.
◉What is necessary to achieve the maximum cavity prevention
benefits of fluoride? Answer: An ongoing supply of both systemic
and topical fluoride must be made available throughout life.
◉What ways are available to receive fluoride therapy? Answer:
Include prescription-strength fluorides that are applied in the dental
office, nonpresciption-strength, over-the-counter products for home
, use; and consumption of fluoridated bottled water or community
water.
◉What term describes fluoride that is ingested in water, food,
beverages, or supplements? Answer: Systemic fluoride.
◉How is excess systemic fluoride excreted through the body?
Answer: Through the skin, kidney, and feces.
◉What term describes fluoride that is applied in direct contact with
the teeth through the use of fluoridated toothpaste, fluoridated
mouthrinses, and topical applications of rinses, gels, foams, and
varnishes? Answer: Topical fluoride.
◉How does systemic fluoride strengthen the enamel of the
developing tooth? Answer: Before a tooth erupts, a fluid-filled sac
surrounds it; fluoride present in this fluid makes the enamel more
acid resistant.
◉What is the source of systemic fluoride before birth? Answer: The
mother's diet.
◉How does fluoride strengthen the enamel after eruption? Answer:
Fluoride continues to enter the enamel and strengthen the structure
REVIEW 2026 VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉In addition to effective brushing and flossing, how can a pregnant
woman help to reduce the bacteria in her mouth? Answer: Pregnant
women can use an antibacterial mouth rinse and chewing gum or
mints that contain xylitol.
◉When does good oral health begin? Answer: At birth.
◉What oral hygiene procedure should be started even before the
infant has any teeth? Answer: Wiping the gums gently with a clean
wet cloth after each feeding.
◉When should the process of brushing the teeth begin? Answer: As
soon as the first tooth appears.
◉How much toothpaste should be used for a small child? Answer: A
pea-sized dab.
,◉What liquid would be acceptable to give an infant or toddler at
bedtime, and why? Answer: Water because milk and juices can cause
early childhood caries.
◉When should a baby first visit the dentist? Answer: By the time of
their first birthday.
◉What is a dental sealant? Answer: A plastic-like coating that is
applied over the occlusal pits and grooves of the teeth. They are used
to protect difficult-to-clean occlusal surfaces of the teeth from the
bacteria that cause decay.
◉What has been the primary weapon used to combat dental caries
since the 1950s? Answer: Fluoride.
◉How does fluoride control the caries-process? Answer: By slowing
demineralization and enhancing remineralization.
◉What is necessary to achieve the maximum cavity prevention
benefits of fluoride? Answer: An ongoing supply of both systemic
and topical fluoride must be made available throughout life.
◉What ways are available to receive fluoride therapy? Answer:
Include prescription-strength fluorides that are applied in the dental
office, nonpresciption-strength, over-the-counter products for home
, use; and consumption of fluoridated bottled water or community
water.
◉What term describes fluoride that is ingested in water, food,
beverages, or supplements? Answer: Systemic fluoride.
◉How is excess systemic fluoride excreted through the body?
Answer: Through the skin, kidney, and feces.
◉What term describes fluoride that is applied in direct contact with
the teeth through the use of fluoridated toothpaste, fluoridated
mouthrinses, and topical applications of rinses, gels, foams, and
varnishes? Answer: Topical fluoride.
◉How does systemic fluoride strengthen the enamel of the
developing tooth? Answer: Before a tooth erupts, a fluid-filled sac
surrounds it; fluoride present in this fluid makes the enamel more
acid resistant.
◉What is the source of systemic fluoride before birth? Answer: The
mother's diet.
◉How does fluoride strengthen the enamel after eruption? Answer:
Fluoride continues to enter the enamel and strengthen the structure
