Question

16)   Answer the following multiple choice questions on oral hygiene and provide rationale for your choices:

16.3)   Which of the following statements are WRONG in relation to oral care? Select 3 (three) answers.

a) Regular flossing is recommended for health teeth and gums

b) Using lemon and glycerine for oral care is good for oral cavity

c) Best way to moisturize oral mucosa is by using mouthwash twice daily

d) Mouthwashes should be free from alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate

e) Mouthwashes with alcohol available from pharmacy is good to kill unwanted bacteria in mouth that causes halitosis.

16.4)   Rationalise your choices in previous question:

Answer 1

1. Answer:The following oprions are wrong.

• b) Using lemon and glycerine for oral care is good for oral cavity.. Reason : lemon juice is highly acidic and can cause erosion in tooth enamel over time But whereas glycerine is good since ,Glycerin is a humectant - it holds onto water and prevents the toothpaste from drying out in the tube, and also prevents dryness in the mouth during brushing. It can help reduce bacterial activity by reducing the available water activity and therefore has a protective action against tooth decay.
• c) Best way to moisturize oral mucosa is by using mouthwash twice daily. Reason:If you suffer from dry mouth or ulcers in your mouth, using an alcohol-based mouthwash can make these problems worse. These types of mouthwash actually dry out the tissue in the mouth as they evaporate, causing more dry mouth and irritating sores in your mouth.
• d) Mouthwashes should be free from alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate. Reason:The alcohol part is true because it increses the saliva production and also causes more bacteria . But hydrogen peroxide is good since hydrogen peroxide may be an effective way to sooth a sore throat, disinfect your mouth, and whiten your teeth. Just make sure you dilute it first, and try not to swallow any in the process.Same goes to sodium bicarbonate since it estore pH balance and reduce inflammation, which may heal canker sores.