Question

To maximize dental health, how often should a dental prophylaxis be provided to active duty service members?

a) Once a year
b) Twice a year
c) Every three years
d) Only during deployment

Answer 1

Active duty service members are generally recommended to receive a dental prophylaxis twice a year to maintain dental health and prevent dental emergencies.

Step-by-step explanation:

To maximize dental health, it is often recommended for active duty service members to receive a dental prophylaxis twice a year. Dental prophylaxis includes professional teeth cleaning, which helps prevent dental diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. While specific guidelines may vary by military branch and individual risk factors, the general practice is for prophylaxis to occur every six months to maintain oral health and prevent dental emergencies, especially during deployment where dental care may be less accessible.

Table 1.38 Flossing Frequency for Adults with Gum Disease does not directly provide information on the frequency of dental prophylaxis; however, flossing is an important component of dental hygiene that complements professional dental cleanings. If given access to the relevant data from Table 1.38, one could potentially calculate the percentages of adults flossing regularly and their flossing habits, which would be informative for assessing dental health practices among adults with gum disease.